Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS)
Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS), meaning “the brightness of art”, originated in 1986 in Site 2 Refugee Camp on the Thai border. The idea of a creative association, which would use art and expression to help young refugees overcome the trauma of war, emerged from drawing workshops held for children in the camps. This original idea continued after the refugees returned to their homeland, and PPS was formally founded in 1994 by a group of former Site 2 children.
Phare Ponleu Selpak is a Cambodian non governmental organisation. It aims to support community development through providing social, educative and cultural services to children and their families.
The three artistic schools form the core of PPS’ work in the community. These three schools, open to all and free of charge, are used by 450 children either for leisure activities or as vocational training. The three schools are: Visual Arts school: drawing, painting and sculpture but also animation cartoon, design, illustration and editing. Performing Arts school: divided into a Circus Arts section and a Theatre programme. Music school: produces both traditional and modern music. These three schools come together to form a valuable asset to the surrounding communities, providing education, support and entertainment.
