The Saly Siblings’ Promise to Make the World a Better Place
Scroll
“The promise between a brother and sister is much more powerful than any grief, loss or obstacle that the world can throw at you.” – Koky Saly
By: Rhiana Dabboussy
Bright colours, bold patterns, unique designs – BeeKeeper Parade is a visual delight. A quick scroll through its online store reveals a striking curation of bags, wallets and purses, all made with repurposed materials.
By sourcing unique textiles that would otherwise end up in landfill (think patch work designer fabrics and used corduroy shirts), BeeKeeper has transformed the humble backpack from simple carry solution, into quirky statement piece.
But it isn’t BeeKeeper’s visual eccentricity that is its greatest strength.
BeeKeeper’s mission is to change the world, and its products provide the means to do just that.
As well as upcycling materials that would have otherwise amounted to 35 tonnes of textile waste, BeeKeeper provides financial support to BabyTree Projects, a charity aimed at empowering children in rural Cambodia through access to quality education.
Established as a charity in 2007, BabyTree Projects has built five schools in Cambodia and provides ongoing support to the country’s educational system. BabyTree facilitates visits from English teachers, provides scholarships and teacher training, and aims to connect the Australian community with rural Cambodia.
Both BabyTree and BeeKeeper are undoubtedly special enterprises. But perhaps what makes them so special, is the story of how they came to be.
Born in a Cambodian prison camp during the Khmer Rouge regime, Koky Saly spent the first three years of his life behind bars, where he was starved, tortured and threatened with death. Finally, in the late 1970s, a charity helped the Saly family escape Cambodia and start a new life in Australia.
The trauma of Koky’s early years ignited a fire within him. In 2006, during a road trip in Cambodia, Koky and his sister Sophia discussed the idea of constructing a school along the beach. Koky dismissed it as impossible.
One year later, the impossible became reality with the establishment of a school in Sophy village. Located in the Siem Reap province, where 80 percent of children do not finish primary school, the project provides vital educational opportunities. Since then, BabyTree Projects has built four more schools in the villages of Peam, Big Hole, Sambour and Kep.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. In 2011, tragedy struck the Saly family when Sophia was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Over the course of her eighteen-month fight, it grew apparent that Sophia’s life would be cut short. During this challenging period, Koky made a heartfelt pledge to Sophia.
He promised that their next school project would be dedicated in her memory – a tribute to her remarkable life and her impactful contributions towards making the world a better place. Sharing a belief that anything can be achieved with determination, they decided that the school would be built in a coastal village.
In 2012, at just 29 years old, Sophia Saly passed away. In her will, she left her car to Koky. Her instructions: to sell the car and put the money into BeeKeeper Parade (formerly Boy and Bee) to continue to inspire change in the world.
Two years later Koky delivered on his promise when the Sophia Saly school officially opened its doors. Located on the shores of pristine Angkul Beach in Kep Province, the school has a well, modern toilets, a food program and paid teachers. Its walls boast the message: “Through these gates walk some of the most beautiful souls in the world.”
BabyTree Projects continues to empower and enrich rural Cambodian communities. Through the funding of English programs and the installation of solar power systems into homes in Tipeng Village, it provides multifaceted and ongoing support to those most in need. BabyTree’s mission to provide quality education means that children can create lives filled with hope and opportunity, where anything is possible.
Through their unwavering passion, determination and selflessness, Koky and Sophia Saly have built a legacy that has impacted the lives of countless Cambodians.
And it’s all because Koky kept his promise.
