On International Children's Day, June 1, King Norodom Sihamoni granted Cambodian citizenship to Margaret Elizabeth Jane Eno, the founder of M’Lop Tapang, an NGO which has supported the most vulnerable of the Kingdom’s children for the past 20 years.
Preah Sihanouk provincial deputy governor Long Dimanche presented the Royal Decree announcing the citizenship to Eno, at a June 1 ceremony that celebrated the 20th anniversary of the NGO.
Eno has dedicated herself to providing support through education and medical support for two decades, and speaks fluent Khmer.
The event was attended by a total of 750 people, including provincial councilors and heads of departments, as well as representatives of partner organisations.
Dimanche shared his appreciation for M’Lop Tapang for its contribution to educating and training young children in Preah Sihanouk province and helping to rehabilitate child victims through education, vocational training, counseling, and nutrition and drug awareness programmes.
“The organisation was founded with the spirit of humanitarian ideals. It has provided countless Cambodian children with the opportunity to learn new skills and integrate into society as dignified citizens,” he said.
He encouraged all parents and guardians to support the of children to cooperate with the organisation in any way they could, so that all children could live with healthy families and communities in a safe environment.
He reiterated that the Cambodian government is committed to promoting the rights of children and combating child labour, in order to pave the way for the development of children at all levels.
“All children, families and communities should live in freedom, dignity, equality and security,” he said.
