VDCA and the Amazing Mr. Togh

In addition to the ancient temples, there is a wonderful, magical place in Siem Reap.  It is called the Volunteer Development Children's Association school (www.vdca-cambodia.org).

From the website:    "The school functions as a supplementary school to the public school system for the majority of the children.  Some students, however, are orphans or come from families who cannot afford the monthly fee ($1.50 US) for public schools.  The school was first established in 2005 by two Buddhist Monks, Rathana Nn and Togh Main, who wanted to give some of Siem Reap's poorest children a future by offering free education and advice.  Within just four years, VDCA has evolved from two basic thatch classrooms to a large and colorful school with more than 600 students who enjoy learning and playing here.  This achievement was only possible with the help of numerous volunteers and supporters worldwide.  Our current school opened in August 2008 and offers free English classes and other courses to children and young adults.  Regular teacher trainings and our international volunteer program constantly improve the quality of the education provided."

The part about this being a supplemental school is important; for the poorest children, whose families cannot afford regular school, this is the only formal education they may get.  But here's the crazy part; many of the children CHOOSE to go to VDCA in addition to regular school.  They spend evenings at VDTC during the school year, and when they are on summer break from regular school they still attend VDCA.  

On Tuesday, August 24, we met with the Director, a passionate man with a beautiful soul, Mr Togh (pronounced Toing).  As Sao drives us up to the school we are dumbstruck with the campus.  It is large and beautiful.  The last time we were here, they were still using the thatch-roofed buildings with dilapidated desks and chairs.  There wasn't nearly enough space for all the children.  Many of them sat on their bicycle handlebars, using the seat as a desk, outside the building.  We walk through the gates and immediately see the brightly painted murals on the outsides of the buildings.  The colors are vivid and look perfect.  We see the Project Enlighten logo on one wall next to the library (PE provided many of the books and helped construct one of the buildings).  Mr. Togh comes out of the office and warmly shakes our hands, his warm smile welcoming us to his school.  Mr. Togh is no longer a monk;  he is married now with a son, Zachary.  But he continues to personify the Buddhist ideals and has included spirituality, responsibility, and decision-making for positive change in the curriculum.  

First he takes us to the new art room.  It is a small open-air room, the inside walls covered in paintings.  Some have been done by the teacher, but most were painted by students.  The colors are brilliant, the talent amazing.  Two young men working at the table smile shly at us.  Mr. Togh explains that they are hoping to sell these at a guesthouse where he also works.  They will not put prices on them but will allow the patrons to pay what they think they are worth.  I think this is a great idea.  The paintings show scenes from the temples, the countryside, portraits, and even some modern images.  

On to the computer room.  It is tiny by my standards -- maybe 3x5 meters.  Eight desktop computers fill the room, and every one is occupied by a student.  They are learning Excel spreadsheets.  The students are serious and intent on their learning.  We don't want to interrupt, so we move on the the library.

It is another small room, maybe 5x5 meters.  One boy is sitting with a guitar on his lap.  Another is reading.  The librarian, Mr. Voty, quickly jumps up from his desk and welcomes us to his library.  He is obviously very proud of it and gives us a tour, explaining each shelf of books and his check-out system.  The book spines are color coded for difficulty.  There is a section of dictionaries and thesaurus in all different languages.  Teachers at the VDCA and those studying to become teachers have their own section to help with lessons plans, etc.  One small section has short stories, and I spy a couple of Harry Potter books!  The books are in many languages -- English, Khmer, Japanese, Thai, German.  Mr Voty's check-out system is simple yet effective.  Students are allowed to check out books for 3 days.  If they are over-due two times, they lose their check-out privileges but can continue to read books in the library.  I ask Mr. Voty if he needs more books.  Surprisingly to me he says, no.  He has enough for now.  

Mr. Togh sits down next to the boy with the guitar.  He asks him to tell us a little about himself and says he will then sing a song for us.  The boy tells us he is 17 years old and is from a very poor family.  He lives with an uncle in Siem Reap.  He was given guitar lessons by a Scottish volunteer and wants to sing a song for us.  He apologizes ahead of time as a string is missing on the guitar.  He opens his song book and begins to sing "Don't Worry" by Bob Marley.  His voice is clear and lovely, and he nails the melody.  The guitar is badly out of tune, but we barely notice.  It is so beautiful I choke up.  When he finishes we clap loudly, thanking him and telling him how much we liked the song.  He is clearly pleased and little embarrassed.  We talk a bit more and then ask him to play another song.  He turns the pages until he finds "Proud Mary."  Again, in his sweet and true voice, he has the melody completely down.  His pronunciation is great -- "Rollin'.  Rollin'.  Rollin' on the river."  As long as I live, I will think of this moment every time I hear that song.  Finally, he concludes with his favorite song, "Keep me in Your Heart" by the late, great Warren Zevon.  I can barely hold back the tears.  

We thank Mr. Voty and this young man profusely for showing us the library and singing songs.  Matt and I walk outside, our hearts bursting with joy.  A very small girl comes up to us and says "Hello."  She introduces herself and asks us where we are from.  We tell her the US and tell her our names.  Her face lights up and she says, "Matt!  Asad told me you were coming to Cambodia.  I am so happy to meet you both! I am Srey Leap!"  Srey Leap has a reputation at VDCA for being one of the most voracious readers of the students.  She is outgoing and obviously bright.  She tells us she will be a senior in high school this year and hopes to go to college after she graduates.  He smile is truly contagious, and I'm overwhelmed by the smart young woman.  We then meet another young woman who is attending teacher's school in Siem Reap.  She has a passion that burns inside and emanates from her.  She feels strongly that good teachers are needed in the rural villages where education is key to overcoming poverty.  Her dream is to go back to her poor village and teach young children.  She uses VDCA to supplement her studies at the teacher's college.  She feels that a teaching degree from the University would better educate and prepare her to be a successful teacher.  

We formally sit down with several students Mr. Togh has selected to talk about the PE scholarship program.  We ask the young teacher-to-be to sit in with us.  The other students can barely get a word in, she is so excited about her dream and wants to tell us everything!  Some of the students are shy, some speak out a bit more.  They all apologize for their poor English, but we tell them that their English is much better than our Khmer, and that they are doing fine.  Sao and Mr. Togh help translate a bit, and Mr. Togh then summarizes our program to the students in Khmer.  He tells them that we don't take bribes (The government and many organizations in Cambodia are very corrupt), but scholarships are earned through good applications, good interviews, and a bit of luck.  He does a great job.  

We leave, pausing for a photo with Mr. Togh in front of the PE logo.  My heart is light yet I'm on the verge of tears.  I'm so overwhelmed by the hope and promise of brighter futures within these walls.  This is where peace comes from; this is the future of this young country and its citizens. This is a magical place.  

Peace.  Respect.  Gratitude.

Riva & Matt