Phare Ponleu Selpak is a Cambodian non-profit art school whose mission is to provide a nurturing and creative environment where young people can access quality arts training, education and social support, and to restore the lost culture and identity of Cambodia. Inspired by drawing workshops organized at the Site 2 refugee camp on the Thai and Khmer border, 8 refugee returnees established Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS), “the brightness of arts” in 1994 on the outskirts of Anh Chanh village, Battambang. Phare's purpose is to improve the development of local communities. The association welcomes more than 1000 students through different classes and workshops. Phare Ponleu Selpak offers a holistic approach to children’s needs in the area of social action, education, and the practice of the arts and culture. Social Action consists of Child Protection Program (Child Care Center) and Kindergarten (Leisure Center). The education program includes formal education: elementary school through high school, and a set of informal programs including literacy, math, life skills, and language classes. Arts are known as a key to empower individuals to improve their livelihood. A multitude of artistic and cultural activities are carried on everyday free of charge to more than 500 students. Trainings include music, contemporary and traditional dancing, visual arts, theater, circus, animation, graphic design and illustration. Students from both the visual and performing art schools have many opportunities to gain exposure and prepare themselves to enter the workforce as professional artists, both nationally and internationally. These opportunities will promote their professional careers and provide them with international recognition.