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Why Cambodia?
In my seventieth year, I realize how beholden I am to
many individuals, some I knew well and others who were anonymous to
me. Despite my life-long self-determination and pulling-myself-up by
my own bootstraps, I have also learned how indebted I am to those who
cared for me along the way.
Nowhere was this more apparent than when I was a scholarship student.
For eight years, including college and graduate school, Mr. Warren Corning
of the American Foundation supported my education. After I had demonstrated
my pluck at age sixteen by hitchhiking through Europe and finding my
own schooling in an English boarding school, Mr. Corning thought I was
worth an investment. And when I nearly flunked out of college in my
freshman year, he commented, Look Fred, Im here not just
for the money, rather Im here to think through life with you when
there are really tough times.
Mr. Cornings genuine interest in me as a human being made all
the difference in who I am today, and why I founded the Cambodian Arts
and Scholarship Foundation. After being on the end of receiving, I found
the need to create that magic for others. Life in its mysterious way
opened a path 10,000 miles away in Cambodia. A voice said, Fred,
work here with these Cambodian young people. You dont need to
know their name in the beginning. Find the ones who are ready for assistance
and who will carry on the tradition of rebuilding their country.
And so, I began.
Some folks have asked, Why arent you working in Somalia
or Afghanistan or along the poorest streets of our own Chicago?
My answer is, I wasnt called there.
So whats my biggest worry about the process of being beholden?
I am concerned that we keep our promises to the young people of Cambodia
to be there for them in the long run. Putting a child in school isnt
for a month or a year. Our contributions imply continuity.
On the front lines in Cambodia I am asked, Lokta, (Grandfather),
if I work hard, can I go to high school, please?
Yes, I promise, again making myself beholden. Well
find a way.
- Frederick Lipp
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Why Cambodia?
Why Educate Girls?
Financial
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I help?
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