Last year, Jaya Krishnan travelled to Cambodia and worked with an orphanage that is not far from the ruins of Angkor Wat. Jaya was inspired by what this small organisation was accomplishing and stayed to share what he has learned over a lifetime of painting.
This year I challenged Jaya to bring back paintings and we would have a benefit to send money to help the kids. Jaya has 50 paintings that will be available and all the money received from the these sales will go directly back to the orphanage.
As a background to the "Orphans and Disabled Arts Association", the founder, Leng, witnessed the death of his father at the hands of the Khmer Rouge. Leng was taken in by his Uncle and Aunt and because of his background, he is drawn to help as many underprivileged children as he can. ODA currently supports 25 children at their residential orphanage and aims to provide for up to 50 at this site, as funds allow.
The main ODA objective is for the children to learn at an early age to help themselves.
This is achieved by encouraging the development of confidence, life skills and education so as to ensure that each child leaves ODA capable of being self-sufficient and of building themselves a better future.
Also showing, until the 22nd August, will be Jaya's new works of the region. Jaya has brought back a video of the children and will give a short talk with Q and A on Thursday, 19th August 6 - 9 pm.
