Wathnakpheap Organization (WP) originally operated as part of Switzerland-based International Non Governmental Organization (NGO) called Stiftung Kinderorf Pestalozzi (SKIP); now known as Pestalozzi Children Village’s Foundation. SKIP ran a Community Development and Child Rehabilitation and Vocation Skill Training Project from 1993 to 1997 in 4 districts, in Pursat province. This was their first project, discovering self-governance, and registering as a local NGO with the Ministry of Interior in 1997.
In 2002, WP became 100% self-governing and independent from SKIP. In 2003, three of WP’s former projects in Pursat Province were successfully localized and became independent NGOs from Wathnakpheap. These NGOs are Anakut Kumar, Kumar Ney Kdey Sangkheum, and Ponleu Kumar, and are all good examples of their capabilities and competencies in starting something that works, and building self-governance.
Wathnakpheap's (WP's) mission is to improve the quality of life and livelihoods of disadvantaged women, children and the poorest families working in rural Cambodian communities. They provide education, environment protection, life skills and vocational skills training.
They address the root problems of the disadvantaged in over 1500 Cambodian villages. This includes: rural poverty, child labor, child labour exploitation, health and nutrition education, civic engagement, Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD), and sustainable livelihoods.
Through practical projects, WP's mission extends to ensure the development of leadership and good governance in target villages. They achieve this by working in partnership with local authorities, and village volunteers who help implement project activities they instigate.
Since 1997, WP has made a practical and sustainable difference in rural Cambodia by implementing community development projects at a sub-national, district, commune, and village-level.
To realize their vision, WP implements sustainable community and livelihood projects, in partnership with International Non Governmental Organizations (INGOs) and Donors, local authorities, service providers, professional trainers and experts, and citizens.
