Phare Ponleu Selpak is a Cambodian non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a nurturing and creative environment where young people can access free quality arts training, education and social support, while restoring the destroyed culture and identity of Cambodia.

Inspired by drawing workshops organized at the Site 2 refugee camp on the Thai and Khmer border, 8 evacuee students established Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS), “the brightness of arts” in 1994 on the outskirts of Anchanh village, Battambang.

PPS’s purpose is to improve the development of local communities. The association welcomes more than 1000 students through different classes and workshops.

Phare Ponleu Selpak offers a holistic approach to children’s needs in the area of social action, education, and the practice of the arts and culture. Social Action consists of Child Protection Program (Child Care Center) and the Education Program runs a Kindergarten (Leisure Center) while monitoring formal education enrollement of our students. A set of informal programs including literacy, math, life skills, and language classes are also managed by the Education Program.

Arts is known to empower individuals to improve their livelihood. A multitude of artistic and cultural activities are carried on everyday free of charge for more than 500 students. Trainings include music, contemporary and traditional dancing, visual arts, theater, circus, animation, graphic design and illustration.

Students from both the visual and performing art schools have many opportunities to gain exposure and prepare themselves to enter the workforce as professional artists, both nationally and internationally. These opportunities  promote their professional careers and provide them with international recognition.