Massive Milestones and Fun Fancy Footwork
- oda.org
- Apr 8
- 4 min read
A MASSIVE MILESTONE
CELEBRATING ODA's First MBA Graduates!
and
VILLAGE Party Rocks
Sokna graduated last year so no graduation robes this day
Leng and their wives are so proud of them.
From humble beginnings in 2003, when Leng Touch founded Opportunities of Development thru Art (ODA) with six boys, sheltering and sleeping under kind peoples stilt houses, ODA’s
grown into a beacon of hope and education for over 1,100 students across eight subsistence farming villages in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
This week, we mark a milestone
Our first three students to have earned their MBA degrees!
This week, we proudly celebrate a monumental milestone: our first three students to have graduated with Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees!
These remarkable individuals exemplify the transformative power of education. Their journey from rural villages to MBA graduates showcases the potential within every child when given the opportunity to learn and grow. Their achievements not only uplift their own lives but also inspire their communities, providing role models and paving the way for future generations to pursue their dreams.
At ODA, we believe in the ripple effect of education. By providing free access to quality learning, we empower our students to break the cycle of poverty and become leaders in their communities. Our programs focus on English language proficiency, computer skills, and now, higher education support, ensuring our students are equipped to seize opportunities in Cambodia's evolving economy.
Their journey from assisting on their small family farms in rural villages to MBA graduates proves the power of education. Their success uplifts their families, inspires their communities, and paves the way for future generations as role models
These disadvantaged village kids don’t lack intelligence
–
just OPPORTUNITY
This achievement is possible thanks to you, our incredible supporters. You're not just educating children; you're shaping future leaders. These 3 young men are already doing that.
Piet Po is now the ODA Schools Manager, responsible for teacher selection,training, school improvement, and daily operations.
Sokna secured employment with a Japanese NGO that advises the Cambodian government on education.
Siyoeurn joined a government school and was promoted to English teacher due to his excellent teaching methods.
Join us in celebrating their remarkable success
Get Ready to Party - AMA Waterways Epic Party Rocks the Villages!
Hey Amazing Supporters,
Get ready to hear about the most electrifying, flour-covered, curry-fuelled party of the year! Thanks to the incredible generosity of AMA Waterways USA, our eight schools just threw a bash that'll be talked about for the next year!
Imagine this: hundreds of students, buzzing with excitement, all gathered for a day of pure, unadulterated fun. Social activities in these villages are rare, so this AMA annual party bash is the highlight of their year. And boy, did they make the most of it!
First up, the games! Picture this: rice sack races with kids hopping like crazy aliens, apples dangling from strings, with pairs of students hilariously trying to take a bite without using their hands (cue the giggles!), and the legendary flour challenge. You haven't lived until you've seen a sea of faces covered in white powder, all vying for hidden sweets. Sorry no pics of those ghostly faces. The games were a spectacle of pure, joyful chaos!
And let's talk about the food! Our incredible village mothers whipped up massive woks of the most delicious Khmer Chicken Curry and noodles. The aroma alone was enough to make your mouth water. It was a feast fit for kings and queens, and every student devoured it with gusto.
But the real magic happened when the sun started descending in the sky and the disco lights came on. Now, you might think you know loud music, but trust us, Khmer parties take it to a whole new level! We're talking ear-splitting, heart-pumping, dance-till-you-drop levels of awesome. The dance floor was a whirlwind of energy, with everyone letting loose and showing off their best moves.
As the day drew to a close, the students mounted their bikes with the sounds of their singing and laughter echoing through the twilight, as they rode their way home in village groups. They shared their favourite moments, reliving every giggle and every victory. It was a perfect ending to an unforgettable day.
This incredible party wouldn't have been possible without the amazing support of AMA Waterways. They've given these students a day of pure joy, a memory that will stay with them all year. Thank you, AMA Waterways, and thank you to all of you, our wonderful supporters, for the support you bring.
Stay tuned for more updates and stories from our incredible students!
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