Become part of the incredible KOTO story!
In the late 1990's KOTO founder Jimmy Pham, OAM, a Vietnamese Australian, returned to Vietnam, to work as a tourist guide. While in Hanoi, Jimmy struck up a friendship with a group of young people living and working on the streets to support their families. He used his salary to help them but knew this was only a temporary fix. Jimmy’s dream was to create a sustainable development program, rather than hand out charity. Disadvantaged youth needed a family environment, modern skills, a job and income to become independent and self-sufficient. From this humble start, the concept of KOTO- Know One Teach One- was born.
Now in its 21st year, KOTO operates its renowned two-year hospitality traineeship program (chef or front of house manager). It is a fully residential program at the KOTO Centre in Hanoi comprising: an Australian hospitality certificate awarded by Box Hill Institute, Melbourne, life skills, English language, placement in the famous KOTO Van Mieu restaurant and in 5 star hotels. The program is also holistic- in a family environment, medical/dentistry, counselling, mentoring from alumni, family support and living allowance.
The outcomes are spectacular: almost no drop outs; nearly 1,000 graduates, 95%+ in good jobs or increasingly establishing successful businesses, and living and working across the globe.
You have the opportunity to become involved in this world leading program!
KOTO operates two annual classes (40-45 trainees in each) of disadvantaged youths between 16 and 22 years of age, including trainees with a disability and from minority groups. Trainees are selected through a comprehensive process over 6 months to ensure the fit is right.
Sponsor a trainee through KOTO International (KI)
The best way to support KOTO is to sponsor a trainee. Sponsors are corporates who sponsor a KOTO class or individuals/families/work or social groups who sponsor an individual.
There are four trainee sponsorship programs: Dream Maker ($300/month), Education or Health/Wellbeing ($150/month), International Training ($100/month) and Health & Wellbeing ($50/month). Along with the revenues from KOTO's enterprises- KOTO Van Mieu restaurant and catering- sponsorship funds assist meet KOTO's operating costs. KI sends 100% of the sponsorship to Vietnam and all donations (over $2.00) are tax deductible for Australian tax payers.
To sponsor an individual trainee, please click 'Give a Monthly Donation' on this page. Follow the instructions to sign up for a Give Now account to provide the monthly amount you wish to.
What are the benefits and components of sponsoring a KOTO trainee?
Alternative donation options
KOTO welcomes all donations of $10 and above, and especially regular donations. Not everybody can afford to sponsor, but can help according to their means.
To do so click on 'Give a donation', for a one off or recurring donation of your choosing.
Other project funding opportunities are also available. Please contact Rhys Williams, KI Board Chair for more information: rhys.williams@koto.com.au or +61 (0) 401 694 806.
KOTO International Limited
Further information about KOTO
SBS Dateline Program with Adam Liaw:
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