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The following are the answers to some questions that Christina is frequently asked.
Q: Why did you choose Vietnam to start the Foundation?
A. I had a dream in 1971 - a dream that was like no other. In 1989, I borrowed the money for the air ticket from a close friend and flew to Vietnam to act upon my dream.
Q: How did you start up in Vietnam?
A. How I started is a book on its own! I think you need to read my autobiography "Bridge Across My Sorrows" as the story of how I started is so complicated and it was so very difficult.
Q: Why did you choose Mongolia as your second operation base?
A. I had a thing about Gengis Khan (only joking!). Mongolia was like a forgotten race, a forgotten country. After the breakdown of Russia, the Russian government pulled out all their resources and Mongolia was left land-locked, between two great super powers and without any economic sustainability of its own. I had a strong feeling that I should go there to visit and see what help was needed. The country seemed so lost, so forgotten and so far away.
Q: What is your own philosophy behind the Foundation?
A. To give children back their childhood, whoever they are and wherever they are. To let a child know what it is like to love and be loved.
Q: Why do you call the organisation a foundation and not a charity?
A. Every child needs a foundation to grow and develop. I never had a foundation in my life. I think that a foundation means secure growth and long-term development.
Q: What is your vision and what are your plans for the future?
A. The vision for the future is for the children of the world to be guaranteed their basic human rights; to be able to live their childhood which is the foundation for their adult life. That is my vision. I will continue to campaign for children's rights across the world because I believe in childhood and I believe that the vision for this Foundation is to continue to help children to find their childhood, regain their childhood, grow to adulthood and be productive members of society.
Q: What would be your ultimate dream for the foundation?
A. My ultimate dream for the Foundation is that it will always go on, even after my death, and maintain the philosophy that it started with and remember that all children are little people, little individuals who require respect. The foundation will become stronger and be financially secure so that we can continue in a very simple way to fight for childhood and make good things happen for children.
Q: What gives you the strength to continue?
A. I believe in our Lord and I believe in childhood.
Q: What is your inspiration?
A. My inspiration is the fact that as a child, I managed to survive a shocking, abusive and appalling life.
Q: What do you think about the comparison between yourself and Mother Theresa?
A. First, God rest her soul. I do not really want to make that comparison. We are both individuals and have our own way of doing things. Like me, she gave all she had and tried to do her best. Obviously, one comparison is the sheer dedication that we shared
Q: Where does the name "Mama Tina" originate?
A. This is the street children's affectionate name for me, as they could not say Christina
The following are the answers to some questions that The Foundation are frequently asked.
Q: What is CNCF's vision for now and the future?
A. The vision for this Foundation is to continue to help children to find their childhood, regain their childhood, grow to adulthood and be productive members of society. The vision for the future is for the children of the world to be guaranteed their basic human rights; to be able to live their childhood which is the foundation for their adult life. Christina Noble, as a child, managed to survive a shocking, abusive and appalling life, and personally continues to campaign for children's rights across the world.
Q: What is the philosophy behind the Foundation?
A. To give children back their childhood, whoever they are and wherever they are. To let a child know what it is like to love and be loved.
Q: Why was Vietnam chosen as the place to start the Foundation?
A. Christina Noble had a dream, literally, in 1971 - a dream to help street children. That dream led her to leave her life behind in England in 1989 when she borrowed money for an air ticket to Vietnam and started what has become her life's mission.
Q: Why did you choose Mongolia as your second operation base?
A. Mongolia was like a forgotten race, a forgotten country. After the breakdown of Russia, the Russian government pulled out all their resources and Mongolia was left land-locked, between two great super powers and without any economic sustainability of its own. Christina had a strong feeling that she should go there to visit and explore what help was needed. The country seemed so lost, so forgotten and so far away.
Q: Which country will CNCF focus on next?
A. We have no plans to extend our operations further afield at the present time, however that is not to say we won't. We just want to continue concentrating on the countries we are operating in already and ensure we continue to the job we set out to do.
Q: What kind of Government co-operation do you have in Vietnam & Mongolia and do you get any financial assistance?
A. The Governments in both Vietnam and Mongolia allow us to work there as an International NGO's and we have been operating now in Vietnam for nearly 20 years and just over 10 years in Mongolia. We currently do not get any financial assistance from them. However; we are extremely grateful to them for allowing us to work in their country.
Q: What kind of Government co-operation do you have in Vietnam?
A. The Government of Vietnam has been a very cooperative partner, as we attempt to work within the local culture as a non-religious, not-for-profit organisation. As a result, we have been there nearly 20 years now.
Q: What kind of Government co-operation do you have in Mongolia?
A. To date the Government of Mongolia has also been cooperative and allowed us to work in Mongolia.
Q: Does CNCF have any governmental, political or religious affiliations?
A. No. The Foundation is a completely world-wide and independent organisation that is not affiliated with any religious or political groups. We are 100% funded through private donations and grants.
Q: How does CNCF determine which children to help?
A. If a child needs help, if a child asks for help, then we help. Children both rich and poor suffer from different things. We have to help as many as possible.
Q: How many projects do you have running in Vietnam and Mongolia?
A. We have over 100 projects that combined cover all aspects of medical, educational and social assistance.
Q: Where do you get most of your funding?
A. We obtain support from a number of global corporations and from individuals. The relationships with these companies and individuals are cultivated and nurtured by the CNCF global fundraising offices. We also obtain funds through 3rd party and CNCF events.
Q: How are CNCF managing to be accountable in terms of good governance and transparency?
A. CNCF have structured policies and procedures in place to enable our staff and volunteers to make the appropriate decision and act accordingly. In each of the countries where our fund raising offices are located we are registered with charity commissions or the appropriate Government body. All offices (Including Operational Centers) have audits conducted on a yearly basis and these reports are available to the public on request.
Q: What can the general public do to help CNCF?
A.There are a number of ways the public can help; Donate, sponsor a child/children, sponsor a project, volunteer their time or expertise, fundraise, read the books and spread the word about the Foundations work. We desperately need everyone's support as we cannot function without decent, caring loving people of the world. We need their belief.
Q: Who should I contact for more information?
A. For general information, you should email info@cncf.org. Alternatively, you can email CNCF International or contact your nearest CNCF office.
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