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 our 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 our capabilities and competencies in starting something that works, and building self-governance.