Introduction

CASF is committed to improving the lives of children in Cambodia through education. The Foundation's special focus is work with poor, at-risk girls who, for a number of reasons, are often denied equal access to schooling. CASF works closely with local communities to identify potential students; provides the financial, emotional and medical support necessary for them to attend school; and sustains this support for as long as the child wants to learn. The Foundation currently serves more than 250 Cambodian children in more approximately 25 schools throughout the country. Several of these students are at the university level, studying law, accounting and medicine. CASF was granted Cambodian non-governmental organization (NGO) status in July, 2004.

Cambodian society continues to favor the education of boys over girls. Girls typically help with household and agricultural chores to support the family. Most can look forward only to a life in the home, first with their parents, then with a husband in an arranged marriage. When they do go to school, many are too hungry to concentrate on learning. An unfortunate but large minority is forced to work in oppressive and unhealthy factory conditions for very little money, or is lured into international sex trafficking, suffering unimaginable misery and abuse.

CASF is overseen by a small all-volunteer Board of Directors in Portland, Maine. Fred Lipp and board members visit Cambodia twice a year to monitor progress and needs of the students. The Foundation has one paid Program Director who maintains an office in Phnom Penh and five regional coordinators who receive nominal compensation. The Program Director works closely with community members who live near the students and meet with each student several times a month. The CASF staff, generous volunteers and hands-on board members are deeply committed individuals who give faithfully of their time and expertise, so that over 87% of the funds raised go directly to support the students.

In this section
Introduction
A Message from Fred Lipp
What we do
History of CASF
Board of Directors
Program Director
Founding Member