Empowering Young Cambodian Women Through Education and Digital Literacy

Initial Contribution and Additional Future Support Will Help Empower Young Cambodian Women Through Education and Digital Literacy

The Elizabeth Ross Johnson family is proud to announce a donation of US$100,000 and future financial support to The Harpswell Foundation Cambodia, which helps young women in Southeast Asia develop leadership skills, education, and a supportive network.



The Harpswell Foundation has two dormitories in Phnom Penh that provide room, board and leadership training to up to 80 young women while they attend university and the Foundation’s in-house curriculum includes critical thinking, analytical writing, debate, civic engagement, current events, computer, English and French lessons. Well over 200 young women have graduated from Harpswell and are making their mark through their efforts in Cambodia or while studying abroad.



“Ms. Johnson was a devoted supporter of initiatives in education, civic engagement, and programs for children and young women. She traveled the world doing philanthropic work and, when she arrived in Cambodia, she fell in love with the people and the country.  In honor of her passion and love for Cambodia, her five children are carrying on her legacy with this generous donation to The Harpswell Foundation,” says Kara Heide, a representative of the Johnson Family.



The Johnson family’s gift ​​will be put to immediate use in several key areas, including: 




  • covering half of the expenses of the incoming Class of 2025, while increasing the program’s ability to provide tuition support to those students of any year most in need.

  • assisting with the further upgrading of recently modernized dormitory technology.

  • creating a technology literacy program to be integrated into its in-house curriculum.

  • supporting the continuation of two post-graduate programs - the alumnae support program’s Alumnae House and alumnae activities, and the Harpswell U.S. Fellows program.



“Access to education can change a person’s trajectory in life from one of cyclical poverty to one of success and growth,” said Lily Johnson. “It is an honor for our family to provide funding for such dedicated and driven young women who are eager to make a difference for their communities and country and our partnership with The Harpswell Foundation is instrumental in supporting the future of women in Cambodia.”.



“Harpswell is inspired by the long commitment that Elizabeth Ross Johnson and her family have shown to Cambodia’s children and are humbled and grateful for the Johnson family’s gift, which will continue that tradition,” said Harpswell founder, Dr. Alan Lightman. “We are excited by this partnership, which will contribute significantly towards the education and opportunities for Harpswell’s young women scholars as they begin their leadership journeys.”



Through their philanthropic efforts in Cambodia, Elizabeth Ross Johnson and her family have been investing in the education and well-being of Cambodian children for over 19 years under such programs as Sovann Komar and the Elizabeth Ross Johnson scholarship. The Johnson family are strong believers in the power of education to create a better future for families, communities, Cambodia and the world.


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