WiTR+ selects Cambodian education project as charity for 2025

The charity project chosen by WiTR+ members is to renovate student dormitories at Toutes a l'école, supporting post-secondary education for underprivileged girls
Women in Travel Retail+ (WiTR+) has announced its charitable focus for 2025, selecting Toutes a l'école, an organization providing education to underprivileged girls in Cambodia. The initiative aims to improve living conditions for students pursuing higher education in Phnom Penh.
The project targets essential renovations for dormitories housing 400 post-baccalaureate students. Current facilities suffer from dampness and mold, creating challenging conditions for residents. The €15,000 (US$15,422) fundraising goal will support replastering, anti-fungal paint application and installation of dehumidifiers throughout the accommodation.
"Clean rooms to sleep and study are something that we take for granted," says Sarah Branquinho, Chair of WiTR+. "I am absolutely delighted that WiTR+ is going to make such a fundamental difference to this cohort of girls, and to future students."
The charity was nominated by Priscilla Haibe de Walque, who has first-hand experience with its impact. "I had the opportunity to visit the school in Phnom Penh several years ago and was incredibly moved by the impact it has on these children's lives," she says. Haibe de Walque has personally sponsored a student through the program for five years.
Toutes a l'école currently serves 1,700 students in Cambodia, a country still addressing the legacy of the Khmer Rouge genocide. The organization focuses particularly on girls, who often face educational barriers due to economic pressures. The program has achieved a 100% pass rate, with graduates pursuing studies in medicine, engineering, law and agronomy.
The dormitory facilities are crucial for students from remote areas who cannot afford accommodation in Phnom Penh while pursuing their studies. WiTR+ will work throughout 2025 to reach its fundraising target and enable the renovation project.
Founded in 2006, WiTR+ serves as both an industry forum for women in travel retail and a vehicle for charitable initiatives. The organization has supported various communities globally, with particular emphasis on projects benefiting women and children.