Projects
Investing in the Future - Vocational Training for Street Children, Cambodia
Objectives of M'Lop Tapang Vocational Training
- To provide students with professional training.
- To build self confidence, trust and self esteem.
- To help students plan for their future.
- To help students to successful and gainful job placement.
- Job retention.
- Empowerment of girls within the family and society
M'Lop Tapang considers vocational training activities and successful job placement a fundamental component of its program to rehabilitate street children and help them build a better future. The approach focuses on job creation and retention, but at the same time on building social responsibility within the community. While M’Lop Tapang will ask local businesses to hire trainees who graduate from its programs, the organization will also require students to volunteer time for the community throughout the training period.
Every training program is based on the demands of the fast-growing local economy with three goals in mind:
- Provide former street children with skills that help them find and retain good jobs (the metric of success is job retention rather than just placement).
- Support the most entrepreneurial kids to set up viable micro-businesses and coach them to success.
- Make each job skills program financially sustainable within three years through the offer of services, ensuring quality and reliability.
Trades that are part of the programme include:
- Construction (including plumbing and electrical work)
- Welding
- Mechanics
- Desk printing
- Hospitality (includes micro businesses)
- Tourism (tour guides, travel agencies)
In addition, there are specific programs for "girls at risk" based on the need to provide viable alternatives for young girls. The 15-18 age group in Sihanoukville is vulnerable to sexual exploitation because of their family situation and/or the need to work in establishments that tolerate and promote sexual work (i.e. Karaoke bars).
The girls can choose any of our training programs and have access to the following additional courses:
- Tailoring and Embroidery
- Craft making
- Beautician (weddings)
Status
It is hoped that the vocational training centre will be ready late 2008.
Projects
- M'Lop Tapang Centre for Street Children, Cambodia
- The Long Road Home, Community Centre & Playground, Cambodia
- Investing in the future - Vocational Training for Street Children, Cambodia