Introducing Ajilaouna-US:

Investing in Lebanon's

Future Leaders

Who we are

Ajialouna US is the U.S. extension of Ajialouna, a Lebanese nonprofit organization with nearly 30 years of transformative humanitarian and educational impact across Lebanon.

Established as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Virginia, Ajialouna US was founded through a collaboration between Osman and Ghida Minkara and Ajialouna Lebanon to expand Ajialouna’s mission and mobilize support from the United States. This initiative builds on Ajialouna’s long-standing legacy of empowering communities and supporting more than 10,500 students across Lebanon through education, healthcare, and socio-economic programs.

Ajialouna US serves as a bridge between the Lebanese diaspora, U.S.-based partners, and trusted local implementers, channeling resources with strong governance, transparency, and accountability to help secure Lebanon’s future through education.

Our Flagship Program: Ajialouna-US Scholars

The Ajialouna Scholars Program is a full higher‑education sponsorship model inspired by the success of Toumouh, Ajialouna’s 20‑year partnership with PepsiCo.

Unlike one‑off grants, the program is built on a simple but powerful principle:

Continuity over quantity.

Once selected, each scholar receives guaranteed support throughout the full duration of their degree, ensuring graduation with dignity — not just enrollment.

Key Pillars

Full‑Degree Support: Tuition covered for the entire academic program
University Partnerships: Direct collaboration with Lebanese universities
Equity & Inclusion: Special consideration for students with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or exceptional hardship
Accountability: Funds paid directly to universities, with ongoing monitoring

Year 1 Goal: Support 15 students
5‑Year Vision: Support 100 future graduates who will help rebuild Lebanon

Our Legacy in Lebanon

Founded in 1995, Ajialouna Lebanon is a woman‑led nonprofit organization with a proven track record of sustainable impact. This legacy forms the foundation upon which Ajialouna‑US is built.

2025 Highlights

Volunteers

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Families Reached

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Tuition Assistance

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Surgeries Covered

Medical Beneficiaries

Testimonials

Thanks to you, I’ve been able to put more energy into learning and building my future without constantly stressing about how to cover my tuition. I’m now in my final year of medical school at AUB, and the dream of becoming a doctor is getting closer. Your generous donation has allowed me to focus on maintaining my high standing, as I’ve ranked 1st out of 104 students for my clinical clerkship year, and I was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Chapter at AUB. One of my biggest hopes for the future is to pay your generosity forward. I’d love to start a foundation someday to help other medical students who are passionate and talented but held back by financial constraints.”

Wael Shouman Medical Student, AUB

Your belief in my potential and investment in my future means more to me than words can fully express. This scholarship has not only alleviated a significant amount of stress but has also inspired me to work harder and continue striving toward excellence. I am determined to succeed and to honor your trust by excelling in my studies and contributing positively to society.”

Amjad Hamza Tomooh – PepsiCo Scholar

“As a dedicated student with aspirations of becoming a cardiologist, this scholarship has provided me with the stability and motivation to continue striving toward my goals. Your generosity is not just an investment in my future but also in the future of the communities I hope to serve as a physician. Beyond financial assistance, your kindness serves as a powerful reminder that there are individuals and organizations that believe in the potential of students like me.”

Celine Kandil Future Cardiologist, AUB

“Without this scholarship, I would not have been able to continue my education. Your generosity has given me the chance to follow my dreams and work towards a better future. I am very interested in cybersecurity, and I hope to use my education to help protect people and organizations from cyber threats.”

Mohammad Alaa Al Din Al Hamwi Computer Science, AUB

“This scholarship enables me to focus more on my studies and less on financial concerns, allowing me to pursue my goals and aspirations with greater confidence and determination. Your generosity inspires me to work hard and give back to the community in the future.”

Ali Rida Awad Computer Engineer, AUB

Why Higher Education

Lebanon’s ongoing economic and social crisis has placed higher education out of reach for thousands of talented young people. Short‑term aid is no longer enough. Ajialouna‑US was created in response to the urgent need for long‑term, transparent, and globally coordinated solutions — ensuring that promising students are not forced to abandon their education due to circumstances beyond their control. Education is not only a humanitarian response; it is a strategic investment in Lebanon’s recovery.

Since 2022, all private institutions have dollarized tuitions amid high inflation, public universities remain underfunded and private education no longer affordable

Average university tuition of $15,000 while minimum wage remains $350/month making access to higher education beyond reach for most

Over 6,000 scholarship applications received across the Ajilaouna educational programs in 2025 with only 1,350 being aided

Enrollements Down by 30%

Sharp drop in international funding and support as USAID and UN programs have been reduced or suspended