KOTO (Know One, Teach One)
KOTO is a not-for-profit Social Enterprise; whose purpose is to combat poverty by providing some of Vietnam’s most in need and vulnerable young people with the means for a stable future.
Each year, our partners, volunteers and donors help over 150 marginalized youths gain an Australian Hospitality Certificate from Box Hill Institute enabling them to provide for themselves, their families and communities.
The program is entirely free. With a rate of 100% job placement after graduation, KOTO trainees who are now KOTO alumni, are able to support themselves and achieve their dreams. Without this life-changing institution, at-risk and disadvantaged youth will not be able to grow to their full potential. When I reflect over the past 20 years, there are now over 1,000 graduates whose job titles now include executive, sous chefs, hotel and resort general managers and business owners.
33% are in managerial positions (March 2021)
40 own registered businesses, including three registered overseas
14 countries where alumni can be found working in
37 have an Associate, Bachelor or Master’s degree,of which 28% obtained from abroad
78% provide regular financial support to their family (excluding spouse and children)
83% actively contribute to their community by donating to charities, volunteering, sharing expertise to KOTO trainees and staff, or sponsoring KOTO trainees
We’re trying to build the next generation of Vietnamese leaders in the industry, not just street kids in hospitality jobs. We want to have leaders, we want to have managers, we want to have entrepreneurs, and they can have the same equal voice. KOTO graduates are amongst the most sought after in the industry, including the five-star hotels such as Marriott, Hilton, Sheraton and Sofitel.
It's about investment, helping others and how you don't have to be rich to help people. You don't have to be able to be well off to be able to do things.