Phare Ponleu Selpak – in Khmer, The Brightness of the Arts – is a Cambodian non-profit arts school located in Battambang, offering support to children, youth and the surrounding communities through artistic, educational, social and community outreach and engagement programmes.
Over 1000 students are empowered every year through our schools and programmes: performing, visual and applied arts leisure classes, and vocational training aid children and young adults to develop their creativity, communication and concentration skills, and to access a sustainable artistic career whilst preserving and promoting Cambodian arts and culture.
Vision
Phare Ponleu Selpak believes passionately in the power of the arts as a tool for human development and social change.
Mission
Phare Ponleu Selpak is dedicated to providing a nurturing and creative environment where young people can access quality arts training, education, and social support.
Values
Creativity. Professionalism. Collaboration. Accessibility.
The Issues
Today in Battambang, children and families still face many social problems. Children drop out of school, experience domestic violence, drug abuse, and migrate illegally to work in extremely poor conditions in Thailand where they face exploitation and abuse.
Our Solutions
We take a holistic approach to solving social problems through the arts, education, and social work. Phare Ponleu Selpak seeks to provide education, access to the arts, vocational training, and professional pathways to the children and young adults of our community.
Visual and Applied Arts School
The Visual and Applied Arts School is the foremost program of its kind in Cambodia. Leisure classes are open to all, introducing children to painting, drawing, and sculpture. The rigorous three year vocational training gives Cambodian youth the chance to build careers in the Fine Arts, Graphic Design, and Animation.
Performing Arts School
The Performing Arts School gives local children access to circus, theatre, dance, and music. The four year vocational training provides a pathway to employment as a performer. PPSA alumni have gone on to perform and study Europe, Canada, and the United States. Battambang circus performances are held on campus every week.
Education
Our community kindergarten helps our youngest students prepare for public school. All kindergarten classes include drawing and painting. Our community library is open to all with books in Khmer, English, and French. The library offers computer classes, literacy classes, and tutoring. The Child Development Center provides a safe space for children to stay outside school hours. Learn more about the great work being done by our Education Department here.
Social Support
Our Social Support department works to ensure that the children in our community stay in school, live in healthy families, and keep away from drug abuse, domestic violence, and illegal migration. PPSA upholds and protects children’s rights through our Child Protection Program. This program provides children with nutritious lunch, school supplies, stipends, and other forms of support. Dedicated international donors help give our children the tools they need to focus on their studies through our monthly sponsorship program.
Community Outreach
While Phare Ponleu Selpak plays an integral role as a sustainable economic agent for the surrounding communities by
providing education, training and jobs for the younger generation, as well as attracting visitors in Battambang, we also aim to
play an even more proactive role in the community
Learn more about Phare Ponleu Selpak’s commintment to providing well-rouded education and empowering the Battambang community with our (mostly) monthly newsletter. Stay in touch and see for yourself how we change lives through the arts.
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