PROJECTS | Cambodia

M'Lop Tapang
Just as the Tapang tree - also known as the ‘umbrella tree’ due to its peculiar shape - provides ‘M’Lop’ (protection in Khmer) for those who shelter under its branches, M’Lop Tapang represents a safe haven for the street children of Sihanoukville.  M'Lop Tapang is a community-based NGO founded in 2003, which empowers street children by providing them with the tools, resources and opportunities they need to build a better future.

Sihanoukville is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cambodia due to its pristine beaches, clear waters and nearby tropical islands.  This economic activity, however, attracts large numbers of children to the city, many of whom end up living and working on the streets in extreme poverty where they are vulnerable to sexual abuse and exploitation.  M’Lop Tapang runs a number of important projects with support from International Childcare Trust.

Empowering Community Participation in Advocating Vulnerable Children's Rights (ECP) encourages members from every sector of the local community to help street and working children access basic services, as well as advocating their basic rights.

Income Generation and Vocational Training is a project that provides skills training and viable career options to unemployed/unskilled young men and women from poor communities in Sihanoukville.