M’Lop Tapang aims to link training to effective, viable income generation opportunities. We offer young men and women (age 15+) the opportunity to lean a skill that will enable them to support themselves and their families in the future. We equip them with life skills including Khmer and English language, health and drug awareness and budgeting before entering the work force so they are able to maintain employment in an increasingly competitive work force. We offer the following skills training: motorbike and small engine repair, sewing and embroidery, cookery and hospitality, welding, wiring and electrics, screen printing, massage and beauty.
Students learn under the guidance of a skilled trainer and must complete the course before beginning a job placement. Once a students is confident in their abilities and has completed the required training, M'Lop Tapang assists with a work placement witn a business in the community. Students are monitored on a regular basis by his/her social worker.
The M’Lop Tapang Shop
This non-profit venture is situated in the tourist area of Sihanoukville and sells products made by young people and mothers in our training programs. Products include t-shirts, handbags, beaded jewellery, and items for the home made from recycled products. The shop is fully sustainable with all profits being reinvested in the Income Generation program.
The M’Lop Tapang shop also acts as an information point for tourists with information available about the ChildSafe program in Cambodia and how tourists can help young people they meet on the streets and beaches.
Dance and Theater Productions
Over 20 young women and men are now part of our professional Dance and Theater team and are in demand to perform at local businesses and for special events and ceremonies. Performances include traditional Apsara dancing, circus acts, theater and drumming. The students are very proud of their unique and much sought-after skills. The shows are put together by the youth themselves, and are full of colour, dance and song.
Dancers are paid individually for each performance, with any additional profits going back to the team to purchase make-up, costumes and props. The shows are a fun and positive experience for everyone.
Home Based Production Program
In January 2009, we launched our Home-based Production Program which gives families of M'Lop Tapang children the opportunity to learn a trade and earn an income. We currently have 12 families participating in the program where women learn to sew products that we sell in our M’Lop Tapang Shop and to international buyers. After a 3 week training course, the women are lent sewing machines so that they can produce these products from home. In order to participate in the program, the families have to sign a contract confirming that their children are attending full-time Khmer school. In the first few weeks since it’s inception the program has proven to be hugely successful; the women participating in the program are enthusiastic and learning quickly, and many more families have expressed an interest in participating. As well, 44 children are attending school and benefiting from their mother's stable income.
For more information about Income Generation at M'Lop Tapang, or for a product list, please contact: ig@mloptapang.org
