Today I’d like to share some lovely photos taken at the recent holiday party at the AmaWaterways-sponsored ODA Free Village English School in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
This school is operated in association with the Orphans and Disabled Arts Association (ODA), and our annual support funds the teachers' salaries, school supplies and other necessities. We also host a festive Christmas Party and delicious holiday feast every year for the school’s students, as well as their families and all the local villagers.
At last month’s celebration on Dec. 28th, the children performed songs and dances, played games and received a special blessing from Buddhist monks. The school’s top students were presented with awards for doing exceptionally well on their first formal English exams. Guests aboard our Mekong River New Year’s Cruise were able to be a part of the festivities and that was an extra special treat for them.
The ODA School brings critical English-language skills to the local children, which will definitely be an advantage when it comes to future job opportunities. Teachers at the school say the ODA students are really excelling within the Khmer educational system. AmaWaterways is so pleased to be a part of this life-changing project!