Growing Together and Looking Ahead

From Little Seeds, Big Dreams Grow

Plus

Your Enduring Heart: A Gift for Tomorrow

From Little Seeds, Big Dreams Grow: A Visit to ODA's Thriving Farm!

Lovingly tended, the rich soil and climate rewards the students efforts with lush crops

There's a special kind of magic blossoming just an hour and a half's drive from ODA Central, nestled in the rich foothills of Kulen Mountain. It's our very own ODA Development Farm, and in just six short months, it's transformed into a vibrant hub of life, laughter, and delicious, organic goodness, all thanks to the tireless efforts of our students and dedicated team.

Diving in when you are hot and sweaty from all the farm tasks is without a doubt the best part of the week.

For our 34+ resident boarding students, Sundays have become the highlight of the week. Imagine this: after a morning of planting and tending to lush crops, the air fills with squeals of delight as they dive into the farm's big, fresh water dam. It's a symphony of splashing and pure, unadulterated joy – a well-deserved break that connects them deeply to the land they're nurturing. These children, all from farming backgrounds, carry the rhythm of the earth in their souls, and it's wonderful to see those vital skills not just preserved, but thriving.

Produce is brought in 3 times a week and stored in the donated fridge to maintain freshness.

This fertile land, now bursting with life, was lovingly passed on by Sry On's father, who, with a heavy heart, decided he was too old to work it himself, but loves to see it coming to life again. What makes this farm truly special is its pristine environment. Unlike the downstream rivers, now days contaminated by agricultural and chemical runoff, our farm benefits from the mountain's natural showers and clean runoff, all captured in that magnificent dam. Every leaf, every piece of fruit, every grain of rice grown here is purely organic, a testament to our commitment to health and sustainability.

And speaking of growth, our animal kingdom is expanding too! You might remember Ruedi, our wonderful Swiss cabinet craftsman, who annually teaches the boys invaluable building skills. Years ago, he built a chicken house so expertly, Leng instantly dubbed it 'The Chicken Hotel.' Well, the new farm is getting its very own, even grander 'Chicken Hotel' to house Leng's ambitious plans for breeding more chickens and ducks. By the looks of it, those hens are going to be very busy indeed, providing a steady supply of baby chicks between loads of fresh eggs and protein meals, complemented by our existing fish farms.

ASSIST LIVE IN STUDENTS

First full years rice crop enjoying perfect growth conditions, they can’t wait to eat their own rice.

In their former lives the kids were never exposed to such plentiful produce and variety as they are now at ODA.  No grumbling tummies here!

Life for our boarding students is a whirlwind of classes and creating art, doing homework, washing clothes and sheets, and of course, delicious meals. While 'Mrs. Cook' prepares yummy Khmer lunches, the students themselves handle other meals and clean-up on a roster, becoming accomplished cooks in their own right – a vital life skill for when they gain employment and leave ODA. It truly runs like a big, bustling, and incredibly supportive family.

The ODA Development Farm isn't just about growing food; it's about cultivating independence, teaching invaluable life skills, and nurturing a deep connection to the land. It's a place where hungry tummies are filled, and where the seeds of a brighter, healthier future are sown, one organic crop at a time. For so many of our kids who arrive severely malnourished, the plentiful food is a dream come true.  We can't wait to share more pictures of this incredible journey with you!

Lengs wife Sry On, is so very grateful for her father allowing ODA to farm this very fertile land, providing plentiful chemical free meals

Your Enduring Heart: Shaping Tomorrow's Hope

Dear Valued Supporter,

Every day, your wonderful generosity fuels our mission to allow us to provide free English and basic computer classes to keen but poor children in semi-remote villages. These vital skills give them a chance to escape the hardships of subsistence farming and build a better future through salaried employment.

ODA: Trading fields for improved futures, one salaried job at a time

Your commitment is the heartbeat of our work, transforming lives and shaping brighter futures. We are deeply grateful for your trust and partnership.

This is where the idea of an "Enduring Gift for Tomorrow" comes in. It’s a meaningful way to extend your impact – a legacy gift or bequest made by considering including ODA in your will. This simple act can carry your values forward and continue the positive change you’ve already begun.

Imagine a future where these bright but disadvantaged students continue to grow and learn, thanks to the foresight of supporters like you. Your support can keep free education going strong long after we are gone.

We know this is a very personal topic, and there is absolutely no pressure. We simply want to open the conversation for those who may wish to help beyond their lifetime – a way to honour the feelings and connections you experienced when you visited ODA and met our students.

If this resonates with you, click the Enduring Gift Donation button here for more information to see how simple it can be to leave a gift in your will –– and how powerful it can be for these kids.  Again there is absolutely no pressure  on enquiries.

Thank you for being such a vital part of our education focused family. Your support truly changes lives.

With heartfelt gratitude,The Team at ODA

ENDURING GIFT INFOMATION