As we observe the Month of International Day of Charity and Peace, we are reminded of the profound impact that collective compassion and action can have on those most in need. In this spirit of giving, we turn our hearts and efforts towards the families and children displaced by ongoing border tensions with Thailand.
Watch the video above to see how our dedicated team has been bringing joy
& laughter to thousands of children at the camps. Attendance at our camps activities
has reached over 20,000 as of today.
Since June 2025, thousands of innocent civilians have been living in temporary shelters, experiencing immense stress and depression due to border clashes. At Phare Ponleu Selpak, “The Brightness of the Arts,” we believe that even in the darkest of times, art, education, and social support can rekindle hope. This belief drives our Phare Activity Camp, operating in two main locations in Preah Vihear Province of Cambodia since early August: Wat Pho 5000 Bodhi Tree Pagoda and Wat Otdomkiri Toul Andet.
A Legacy of Compassion and the Power of Art for Healing
Phare Ponleu Selpak’s own story began in a refugee camp, where art provided a powerful outlet for suffering and bitter experiences. Today, our dedicated team carries that legacy forward. Mr. Khuon Det, Co-founder and Performing Arts School Director, states:
” The Phare Activity Camp is a testament to this commitment, providing critical support and a sense of normalcy for children and families facing immense challenges. “
At the heart of our mission is the desire to mitigate the traumas faced by children and youth through artistic expression, while ensuring safety and well-being. Our Executive Director, Mr. Osman Khawaja, powerfully articulates our goal:
“Together we are giving these children in the camp powerful positive core memories, which will hopefully help mitigate the traumas of the forced displacement they are going through”.
Bringing Light Through Diverse Programs
Our multi-faceted approach has been supporting the thousands of children and youth and their caregivers / families:
Artistic & Educational Workshops:
We offer vibrant sessions in circus, theatre, dance, music, drawing, painting, and library/play-based learning. These activities are specifically designed to empower children, develop their creativity, communication, and concentration skills, and provide precious moments of laughter and relief, helping them momentarily forget their worries.
As today, we’ve seen incredible participation, with over 9,289 individuals engaged in performing arts and over 8,914 in library and play activities.
Health and Hygiene Training:
Essential workshops on personal safety, food nutrition, hygiene, dental hygiene, and waste management are vital components of our program. Our “My Body, My Rules” and “No, Go, Tell“ curriculum empowers children with crucial self-protection skills.
Mrs. Sovann Dara, Social Support Manager, highlights our commitment:
“Our mission is to promote safety and well-being to all through education, health support, prevention, and social services”.
- We’ve already seen significant impact, with 3,023 participants attending social support workshops.
- Direct Material Support: To address immediate needs, we distribute essential items such as milk, juice, snacks for children, and toothbrushes, toothpaste, and detergent for families and caregivers.
Our Commitment and Your Critical Support
Running the Phare Activity Camp is a significant undertaking. A dedicated team of 20 full-time trainers and staff operates the centers for 6 hours daily, providing a safe and comfortable environment with tents, raised platforms, fans, and drinking water.
To sustain these vital relief efforts for just six weeks, we urgently need to raise $52,000.
With the displacement ongoing since June 2025 and “permanent structures coming up” in the camps suggesting a long-term need, our commitment is unwavering. This International Day of Charity, your generosity will directly translate into a beacon of light for these vulnerable families. Every dollar ensures the continuity of artistic expression, crucial health education, and basic necessities, fostering a sense of normalcy and hope where there is despair.
Join Us – Your Donation Makes a Difference!
Please help us continue this tremendous mission.
- For our international friends: Please donate at phareps.org/donate, and remember to mention “Phare Camp” in the remarks.
- For our local friends: You can donate through Phare’s ABA bank account or scan the KHQR below. Please remark “Phare Camp”.
◦ Account Name: Phare Ponleu Selpak
◦ Account Number: 000784673.
Thank you for your kindness, your belief in the power of art, and your unwavering support.
Together, we can break the cycles of trauma and ensure a brighter future for these children.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Osman KHAWAJA
Executive Director of Phare Ponleu Selpakk
There’s always lots going on at Phare Ponleu Selpak! Sign up for our (almost) monthly newsletter to stay informed, including the latest news about the upcoming S’Art urban art festival.
Osman Khawaja is the Executive Director at Phare Ponleu Selpak. He is passionate about empowering individuals through education and promoting creativity within our community. He is driven by a desire to unlock the untapped potential of people and organizations. Baking and building Lego models allow him to satisfy his need for perfection and his sweet tooth.