Background

Wathnakpheap is a local NGO, registered in 1997 with the Ministry of Interior. WP originally operated as part of of Switzerland-based International NGO Stiftung Kinderorf Pestalozzi (also known as Pestalozzi Children Village’s Foundation (SKIP). SKIP was running a Community Development Project and Child Rehabilitation and Development Project from 1993 to 1996 in Pursat province. Wathnakpheap (WP) became independent from SKIP in 2002 and became a local NGO. WP’s headquarters is based in Phnom Penh and operates its programs in the six provinces of Pursat, Svay Rieng, Siem Reap, Kampong Cham, Kampong Thom and Kratie. These provinces have an unusually high poverty rate and migration patterns therefore programs focus on risk prevention and community-based alternative rehabilitation for children and youth at high risk of trafficking for labor exploitation. Every year, children, young people and their families benefit from these projects. In 2003, three of WP’s former projects in Pursat Province were successfully localized and become independent NGOs from Wathnakpheap. These localized NGOs are Anakut Kumar (AK), Kumar Ney Kdey Sangkheum (KNKS) and Ponleu Kumar (PK). WP has significant experience in community development, particularly in the areas of: rural development, community based child development, trafficking prevention, repatriation and rehabilitation formal and non formal education vocational training, income generation activities small enterprise development, and good governance Civic Engagement

Staff