Who founded Tabitha?
Tabitha was founded in 1994 by Janne Ritskes, after she grew disillusioned with 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 "Philippine Morning" and "Tabitha Snippets" about her experiences. Both books are available in the Tabitha Stockroom. She lives in Phnom Penh with her daughter, Miriam.
What is the mission of Tabitha?
How large is the organization now? Countries? Number of people?
Tabitha currently operates only in Cambodia. It has support organisations raising funds in the UK, Canada, Singapore and Australia. There are 56 staff presently in Cambodia, (not including those employed in the Cottage Industry) and all of them are Cambodians. The office staff administer the various Programmes. There are 623 families working with the Cottage Industry. As of September 2010, Tabitha has impacted the lives of more than 1.8 million Cambodians since its inception in 1994.
How can I join a housebuilding team?
Tabitha Singapore does not organize building trips. However, it is part of our mission to facilitate trips organized by others. Occasionally, we are contacted by a team organizer who has room on their trip and we can connect them with people who are interested in participating through our mailing list. If you would like to be a part of our mailing list, let us know by emailing [email protected]. Many of our regular volunteers organize house building trips. Builders learn of these trips through word of mouth before they are advertised via the mailing list. Therefore, the best way to get on a trip is to volunteer with Tabitha Singapore in other ways first. Volunteer builders pay all of their own expenses include transport, hotel, food and insurance, and are also expected to raise money to pay for building materials and a general financial contribution to Tabitha.
How can I organize a building team?
Building teams usually have a minimum of 8 - 10 volunteers, and a maximum in the low 20's. The first step to organizing a trip is to agree on a date, then confirm that date with Tabitha Cambodia ([email protected]). Once a date has been confirmed, we can help you to organize the details. Each house costs US$840, which is paid by the team, and a team can build as many as 10 houses in two days. In addition, teams are expected to pay a general financial contribution of US$1500 towards general partnerships. The above monies can be raised through fundraising. All personal expenses including transport, hotel, food and insurance are paid by volunteers, out of pocket. A three-day trip would include 1 day of orientation and sightseeing and two days of building. For more information, please contact [email protected].
How will the financial contribution be allocated? Who decides how to use the financial contributions?
Financial contributions are used for several programs: water wells, irrigation wells and field ponds, house building, pigs, or family partnerships. It is up to the donor to decide which of these programs their financial contribution supports. If the donor does not specify, the money is used for family partnerships (which pays interest on families savings).
Do I get tax rebates for my financial contributions?
Financial contributions to Tabitha Singapore are not tax deductible, as Tabitha Singapore is not a registered charity in Singapore. The criteria for a registered charity includes retaining a high percentage of funds raised in Singapore which is not part of Tabitha's philosophy. We are, however, a registered society.
If money is contributed in U.S., Canadian, or Australian dollars it can be contributed through the foundations in the respective country (see links for their websites in About Us - Other Locations) and a tax deduction can be received in those countries.
I would like to join Tabitha, how?
We are always looking for volunteers, particularly individuals who are able to commit either on a regular basis, i.e. two or three hours per week, every week, or as their time permits We need help with our sales, at the stockroom, and with fundraising. Many volunteers become involved by attending one of our FOT's (Friends of Tabitha) meetings. We have FOT's groups associated with many of the International schools, as well as one for people who are not associated with a school. Other ways to support us would be to sell Tabitha products, either at your business or in your home. Why not throw a Tabitha Party at your home? We will bring products to sell, as well as a volunteer to manage money and receipts. People interested in volunteering can write to [email protected] or clicking on the Volunteer button on our home page. You will then be contacted by our volunteer coordinator.
How can I get employment with Tabitha?
All members of Tabitha Singapore, including the Board are volunteers and receive no remuneration, ensuring that all financial contributions and a high percentage of the sales from the Cottage Industry go directly to Cambodia. We have no positions open for employment.
How can my school/company be involved with Tabitha?
Contact us at [email protected] for more information. The appropriate Tabitha Singapore volunteer will then contact you directly.
