Tabitha was founded in 1994 by Janne Ritskes after she grew disillusioned with the policies and practices of mainstream NGO's operating in Cambodia. Born a Canadian, Janne now has Cambodian citizenship. Janne has 20 years experience working in the slums of the United States, Philippines, Kenya and Cambodia. Janne has written "Phillipine Morning" and "Tabitha Snippets" about her experiences. Both books are available in the Tabitha Stockroom. Janne resides in Phnom Penh with her daughter, Miriam.
"Selling all that I had to establish Tabitha Cambodia left me wondering how it would all work out. Three months later, the cupboard was bare. There was no money. It was almost over before it started. Then the miracles began." - Janne Ritskes, Tabitha Founder, 1995
You may wonder how a single woman from Canada planted herself in the middle of Phnom Penh in 1995 to create what is now Tabitha Cambodia. The answer can be found in an enjoyable collection of personal emails to friends and colleagues that founder Janne Ritskes has published entitled "Tabitha Snippets." Both enlightening and inspiring, Janne's personal memoir is a tribute to her belief that truly making positive and permanent change in people's lives requires more than simply giving them a handout. "Tabitha Snippets" and a wide variety of Tabitha handicrafts can be purchased at the Tabitha Shop at the Singapore American School every Wednesday beginning February 11, from 10 am - 2 pm (excluding spring break, 3/25).
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Apart from Janne, all staff are local Khmer, many of whom were first part of Tabitha programmes themselves.
