In August, 2019, M'Lop Tapang's Education Center as well as our Arts Center and Transitional Home were severely damaged due to flooding. In addition to structural damage caused by the water, the floods also resulted in damaged furniture, equipment, computers, and many other supplies. The costs of recovery will be in the tens of thousands of dollars.
Sihanoukville is experiencing massive development, largely being fueled by Chinese investments in the construction of casinos and hotels. Land price have skyrocketed. With land at such a premium, previously natural water drainage systems, such as rice fields and open spaces, and being filled in to make way for construction projects. With a decrease in natural water drainage systems, the city is experiencing unprecedented flooding during the rainy season.
Until the center is fixed, hundreds of children who normally attend classes will miss the opportunity for an education. Repairing the damage to our Education Center will allow children from disadvantaged backgrounds to return to their studies.
Without the opportunity for these children to access education programs they have less of a chance to succeed in life as they grow older.
