Making cookies in the dormitory kitchen

The press

"Cambodian women have been denied access to higher education. Thanks to the Harpswell Foundation, bright young women from the provinces have been given the opportunity to pursue their studies at some of the country's established universities." – Cambodia Daily, January 4, 2007

"Until the Harpswell dorm opened, [these young women] faced lives as rice farmers, tour guides, or possibly brides in arranged marriages. Now they want to work for the government, earn PhDs, and study overseas." – The International Herald Tribune, November 19, 2007
 

The Cambodian government

In May 2008, the government of Cambodia awarded the Harpswell Foundation the Gold Medal for humanitarian service to Cambodia, personally presented to Alan Lightman by Deputy Prime Miniser, Hong Sam Ol.

University president

"I congratulate the Harpswell Foundation and respect your noble work and your wonderful gesture for assisting Cambodian female students." – Kao Kim Hourn, President of the University of Cambodia
 

Hour Samuy, Kampong Cham province

The young women residents

"I really love the Harpswell dormitory so much because it gives me confidence in myself and freedom. It is the first dormitory for women in Cambodia and provides motivation for women to become good leaders." – Hak Channy, age 20, Svay Rieng province

"This dormitory is essential and has outstanding meaning for a poor girl student like me. It provides knowledge and chances to change what happened to Cambodian women in the past." – But Chann Sophea, age 19, Battambang province
 

Parents of the residents

Heng Limheang, Battambang province

"We thank you deeply for supporting our daughter in a place to live, money for food and study. We hope that you will continue to help new Cambodian generations. We strongly hope that when our daughter graduates, she will become a good leader of Cambodia." – parents of Khan Sophy

"You have given our daughter a chance to study at university in Phnom Penh. We thank you for educating our daughter to be a good leader in the future. It is very important for our society." – parents of Heng Savry