Since founding REFISHED in 2012 we had a dream: to not only create bags with our work, but also to have a positive impact in Cambodia – where many of our products are made.
Education is the key to opportunity and a better life. That’s why we want to build a school together with our community – a place where children can learn, grow, and let their dreams unfold!
The story of teacher Rithy
While searching for the right partners, REFISHED founder Sissi Vogler-Wagner came across Rithy Lim – a teacher whose life story deeply moved us.
“I started teaching in the shade of a big mango tree” Rithy told us. “With a chalkboard hanging from a branch, a few notebooks and pens. Soon over more than 100 children came – the youngest in the morning, the older ones in the afternoon, and the teenagers in the evening.”
Unfortunately, everything changed due to COVID. Teaching was no longer allowed and soon after, he moved to the city for a new job.
Rithy himself comes from a remote village called Sahak Kom Khang Lech in Kampong Speu Province. Although he grew up in an orphanage, a few fortunate turns in life allowed him to study and eventually work as a civil engineer. But his heart has always belonged to education. Even while working in Phnom Penh, he spent his evenings teaching the neighborhood children. “I just can’t help it – teaching is my true calling.”
Still, he always dreamed of returning to his home village to build a real school – right where those first lessons once took place under the mango trees.
Today, we share a common dream:
The construction of the Mango Tree School!
Key elements of the project
To turn our Mango Tree School into reality, we’ve set out to build it step by step — together with teacher Rithy Lim, our partner organization AustroCamb, the REFISHED team on site and our community.
The project is divided into the following building blocks, each an essential part of the bigger picture:
1. Rity’s Return
We support our dedicated teacher, Rithy, in moving back to his home village — with a small salary, basic furniture, and starter supplies so he can begin teaching again under the mango tree.
2. The First Classroom
Construction of the first solid classroom, complete with toilet facilities and essential equipment — a safe and stable learning space for children who, until now, have only studied outdoors.
3. Schoolbooks & Materials
Notebooks, books, pencils and learning materials for over 100 children — to make education not only possible, but also colorful, engaging, and full of life.
4. Running Costs
Covering the school's ongoing expenses: Rithy’s salary and all utilities.
5. A Second Classroom
Once the first rooms are filled, we plan to expand the school — opening the doors to even more children from the village and surrounding areas.
6. A Well for the School
Clean water directly on school grounds — vital for the health of both children and teachers, and a major step toward improved quality of life.
Let's grow education together
This project is bigger than us – and that’s exactly where its power lies.
The Mango Tree School is meant to be a journey we take together:
👉 By making a voluntary donation in our webshop with our donation link
👉 Or directly at checkout when you shop with us, by adding your donation amount.
👉 By sharing our story
… and inviting others to be part of it.
We’ll keep you updated with regular progress reports and personal stories from the ground – because by supporting this project, you’re part of the school too:
Brick by brick, dream by dream.
Thank you for planting the seeds of opportunity with us –
and for helping a school grow. 🌳✨