The majority of street-living and street-working children on the beaches, around the market and in the port areas of Sihanoukville are denied basic shelter, education, nutrition and healthcare. The insecurity and hazardousness of their lifestyles mean that many are exposed to physical, sexual and emotional abuse, malnutrition and disease. A significant number are engaged in substance abuse and there is a growing incidence of intravenous drug use. 

M`Lop Tapang is a community-based Non-Governmental Organisation founded in 2003 with the aim of empowering the street children of Sihanoukville by giving them access to learning tools and resources, and by providing physical security, education, counselling and protection from abuse. 

M`Lop Tapang`s core activities take place in a day centre where a range of services are provided, including; daily remedial education, life skills training, meals, medical care, counselling and teaching about substance abuse and child rights, in addition to a structured activity programme. The day centre runs in conjunction with an effective community outreach programme working closely with children on the streets and their families to facilitate children`s reintegration into a secure family environment while building the capacity and skills that empower the local community to protect its most vulnerable members, offering a safer environment, opportunity for development and an increased quality of life.

M`Lop Tapang aims, over the next two years, to build the capacity of its staff to strengthen the long-term operational sustainability of the M`Lop Tapang project, while extending and broadening its activities so it can reach a larger number of children in the district.