Giving it back

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For many years, our team have been very active in supporting one NGOs in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Last week, we dropped by ODA which is also known as Opportunities of Development thru Art and it was founded by Mr. Leng who had a real vision of helping the underprivileged kids especially the orphans in providing a happier childhood and also preparing them mentally, physically and emotionally in the harsh environment of Cambodia in the future. ODA also believes in providing education and creativity (through arts) where they will one day able to give back to the community and also earning for a living.

I’ve met Mr. Leng back in 2011 and I learnt about how ODA came about. Fast forward to this year, I learnt more about the past of Mr. Leng. It was truly a touching story and I salute his vision in actually making things happen rather than just walk the talk. The ODA residence have developed so much for the luxury of the orphans and now it stands at least 30 orphans residing at ODA residence.

Our friends managed to raise at least USD 4,000 last week and that many will be able to sustain food supply for the orphans to last the whole year. Amazing!! Some of the monies that we raised for them last year was also pumped in for creating and maintaing the mini plant farm they had nearby their residence. So in the future, they will be able to make some money by selling vegetables.

Mr. Leng has other strength and that is he’s creative in the painting department. He used to good effect where he trained the orphans to draw and paint. From there, their paintings will be made for display at the mini art display room where outsiders can buy. It’s also one way for the orphans to earn a living at a very young age.

Thank you, Mr. Leng for the eye opener and a constant reminder that about gratitude, appreciation and contribution. Truly honoured to be part of your community in contribution and to see how much growth ODA have gone through in just a space of a few years.

ODA is located not far from Angkor Wat and I’m pretty sure if you want pay ODA a visit, you can ask the tuk-tuk driver to send you there.

It’s always an honour to help Leng’s NGO called ODA – Opportunities of Development thru Art which helps to sustain the cost of living of the orphans in Siem Reap, Cambodia through means of selling their artwork.

Some of the amazing artworks the orphans drew and they are for sale.

The community connecting with the orphans and asking their experience as an artist

We also donated food for the orphans

Pat came a few months ago and the Cambodian kids still recognised her. It’s amazing to see the growth of the kids under this particular NGO.

Michelle and I came here a few years ago and we are back here again and so much have really changed and improved at ODA.

Our friends also helped to build the mini farm a few months ago and it’s shaping to be pretty good after another visit a few days ago. Some of the donations were also pumped into this mini project which can create opportunities for the orphans at ODA.

The man behind ODA, Mr. Leng, who is a certified art trainer and he trains the orphans to draw which is such an amazing idea. I truly salute his passion and commitment to help the orphans in Cambodia and he also created an avenue to study for the under privilege locals especially the kids.

It was a nice sight to his plight for the students to get their uniforms was a success