Background

“M’Lop” means shade or protection in the Khmer language. The Tapang tree, also known as the umbrella tree, provides shelter from the elements. In 2003 M’Lop Tapang (MT) was created by a small group of foreigners and locals. It began as a simple initiative to feed and offer safety to six children who slept under a large Tapang tree on the beach every night, and who were extremely vulnerable to exploitation, but quickly blossomed into a much wider program. Today we work with over 5,000 children, youth and families in the Sihanoukville area. M’Lop Tapang provides disadvantaged children and families access to the learning tools, specialized services, resources, and opportunities they need to build a better future. We offer regular meals, safe temporary shelter, medical care, education and training, counseling, family support / reintegration and protection from all types of abuse as well as increasing community awareness about issues relative to child safety and child rights. As M’Lop Tapang continues to grow the purpose of the organization remains to provide protection, just as the tree provided protection to those young children years ago who sheltered under its branches.