ABOUT US
ODA is a grassroots registered education NGO (Non-Governmental Organisation), formally established by Leng Touch in 2003. ODA is supported and managed by volunteers.
Leng's objective, together with his wife SryOn, is to offer improved employment opportunities by providing free English language and some computer skills classes to subsistence farming children in outlying villages.
Like so many, the story of Leng’s childhood under the terror reign of the Khmer Rouge is harrowing. Surviving those traumatic years of malnutrition and the fear of being killed by a landmine or grenade, is ingrained in his soul.
Leng was 10 when the war ended. His father had been killed and he had no idea where his mother and sister were. Alone, starving and injured, barely able to walk, Leng followed the stumbling crowds along the river back into Phnom Penh.
He was one of the very lucky children. His aunt and uncle managed to find him. His uncle had a strong education focus and despite extreme poverty, they all managed to complete as much schooling as they could.
As a young adult, Leng befriended five homeless children and soon realised they were starving. He knew at that moment that if it were not for his aunt and uncle, this would have been his life. He felt compelled to care and educate them, as had been done for him.
This was the humble beginning of the organisation that has grown into ODA today; providing village children skills for future employment where just one regular salary can help a family to eat three meals a day.
ODA TODAY
8 free single room English schools, solar powered with toilets and wells. Over 1450 students attending classes.
8 kindergartens 2 - 4pm daily. English classes from Beginner to Intermediate 4 - 7pm six nights a week.
Introduction to Computers offered at four ODA schools 10am - 2pm, four days a week.
Teachers are trained by the ODA Schools Manager. 16 are currently completing the ODA University Support Program.
Yearly Education Authority supervised exams are conducted.
No Uniform = No Government School. The ODA Yearly Government School Uniform Fund helps over 700 children access government school.
ODA EXTENSION PROGRAMS
One of our schools has a residential component. It provides a safe environment, education and care to disadvantaged children who have no family, or no one able to care for them. ODA currently supports 30+ children at this school. The students attend regular Khmer school plus English, computer, Khmer culture and art classes. On passing Year 12, these students are able to access University courses of their choice under the ODA University Program.
ODA ART PROJECT
Prior to the seven additional schools, the income from Leng and the students' art sales covered initial education expenses. Art lessons are an integral part of the ODA Central students’ education. The sale of these creative works, including packs of gloss cards featuring the art works, are offered in the ODA School's onsite gallery. Some works have also been displayed at overseas art exhibitions hosted
by our kind supporters.