Australian Embassy
Vietnam
Embassy address: 8 Dao Tan Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi - Telephone: 3831 7755 - Fax: 3831 7711

Know One Teach One
Knowledge, Outreach, Training and Opportunities
Official Opening Celebration
Speech by
Australian Ambassador, H.E Mr Bill Tweddell
20 January, 2007 – Hanoi



Jimmy Pham, Daragh Halpin, friends,

I know of no single undertaking by Australians in Vietnam which evokes so much pride in colleagues at the Australian Embassy and among the broader Australian community as KOTO does.

In the 16 months, I have been Ambassador I have grown to have an enormous affection and respect for the staff and trainees of this organisation.

It is not just the always positive and uplifting experience of dining here and at the old premises; when you dine at other establishments you soon find yourself trying to spot the KOTO graduates. And when you do, they are always young people whose demeanour and professional skills impress. And those beaming, smiling faces!

To have had the honour of attending and addressing last years’ graduation ceremony at the Sofitel Plaza Hotel is one of the real highlights of my time in Vietnam.

I’m very pleased that the Embassy and the Australian community have played a small part in supporting KOTO.

The Australian development cooperation program has contributed what might be called ‘human aid’ through two AusAID programs: Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development (AYAD) and Volunteers for International Development from Australia (VIDA).

We also use KOTO personnel to cater Embassy functions and the younger and fitter among us participate in the odd fund-raising bike ride!

We have sought to help build KOTO’s profile by organising with the local Australia and New Zealand Group for Mrs Howard, the Prime Minister’s wife, to visit – as well as other senior visitors like the Hon Fran Bailey MP, Minister for Small Business and Tourism, and Mrs Tanya Costello, the Treasurer’s wife.

All have been mightily impressed and inspired. As the slogan says: Good Food For A Great Cause!

Australian business volunteers have also helped with business systems.

Tonight’s official opening is the realisation of a dream for the KOTO team and your friends and supporters.
I am absolutely delighted all the effort has come to fruition. It is a really classy place, run by a really classy team, led by fellow Australians of whom we have every reason to be very proud – Jimmy and Daragh, and many others, I know.

I wish KOTO every success in this new venture and all others that you undertake. You truly reserve it.

You are a credit to your home countries – and above all, to yourselves.

Thank you and good luck!

KOTO is a not-for-profit restaurant and vocational training program that is changing the lives of street and disadvantaged youth in Vietnam.

“The greatest accomplishment for the person who has helped you, is to see you stand on your own two feet and then in turn help someone else that reminds you of yourself, because if you Know One, then you should Teach One.” Mr Jimmy Pham, KOTO Founder and Director

Street Voices

In 1998 Jimmy Pham and a team of volunteers in Australia set up a registered charity to help street and disadvantaged youth living in Vietnam. Street Voices supports KOTO Hanoi by fundraising and raising the profile of KOTO and the plight of Vietnamese youth.

Street Voices consists of a committee of dedicated Australians who have visited Vietnam, been involved in the KOTO project in a variety of ways and have seen for themselves how KOTO can change lives. The Street Voices team are all professional people from a variety of different fields who are committed to the spirit and success of all those involved in this unique venture.

At this stage, KOTO Hanoi is the team's only project, however they are working with KOTO Hanoi to achieve the goal of replicating the project in other cities in Vietnam. In the future, Street Voices aims to help other independent projects for disadvantaged youth around the world.

KOTO Hanoi

"KOTO is about creating a safe environment where a small group of extremely vulnerable young people can learn and grow - because through education and skills comes empowerment and the path to a brighter future." Mr Jimmy Pham, KOTO Founder and Director

The concept of KOTO began on the streets of Hanoi in 1996 when an Australian Vietnamese man, Mr Jimmy Pham, asked a group of street kids what they wanted out of life. They simply replied, "we need skills so we can find stable jobs" and so the concept of KOTO was born.

In just five years, KOTO has grown from a small sandwich shop in Hanoi to a 120-seat restaurant and an internationally accredited hospitality program that gives some very special young people the start in life that everyone deserves. (Note this KOTO will move to the building next door to establish their new restaurant on Sunday 19 November)

Today KOTO is recognised for its dynamic restaurant and its effective grassroots development project that is breaking the cycle of poverty amongst street and disadvantaged youth in Vietnam. Street Voices supports the KOTO Hanoi Restaurant and KOTO Training Program by holding fundraising events in Australia and raising the profile of Vietnamese street and disadvantaged youth.

The young people in the KOTO program study hospitality skills and English, and take part in an essential life skills program. They gain practical skills working at the KOTO restaurant. KOTO graduates complete the program as confident and capable young adults who are able to take control of their own lives. They are highly valued by the hospitality industry in Vietnam and many now work in top hotels and restaurants in Hanoi.

KOTO continues to grow and develop as many more street kids and disadvantaged youth pass through its doors and go onto successful careers. KOTO hopes to become a model that can be adopted elsewhere in Vietnam, Asia and in other countries in need.

KOTO Training Program

Every six months KOTO takes about 25 disadvantaged youth off the streets or from extremely difficult life circumstances to undertake an 18-month intensive life skills, English language and hospitality training program. KOTO currently has up to 70 trainees in its program.

KOTO trainees are all aged between 16 and 22 and are selected for the program based on their life situation. They must also have the capacity to undertake training and work in the hospitality industry, and be committed to KOTO's philosophy.

After being accepted into KOTO, trainees are given vaccinations and health checks, they are provided with uniforms, laundry, accommodation in group houses, lunch every day and ongoing health care. The trainees are paid an allowance, which enables them to focus on their studies, save a little for the future and provide some financial support to their families.

KOTO trainees study either Front-of-House service or Commercial Cookery (Western and Asian-food preparation and pastry cooking) following a curriculum accredited by an Australian training school, Box Hill TAFE. This means that when the KOTO trainees graduate they receive an internationally recognised qualification. KOTO trainees also complete an English language course that is specifically designed for people working in the hospitality industry.

Theory lessons take place at the KOTO training centre, which is equipped with classrooms and a commercial training kitchen. In 2003, KOTO received a grant from UNESCO to build a resource centre, which the trainees use for self-directed study, reading and computing. Much of the trainees' practical experience is gained through working at the KOTO restaurant. Towards the end of the KOTO program, each trainee also takes part in a one-month work experience placement at a hotel or restaurant in Hanoi.

KOTO believes that vocational training alone cannot equip its trainees with everything they need to succeed in life. Therefore, an essential part of KOTO's training is the life skills program, designed to help the trainees develop self-confidence and social skills.

The program includes:
• A formal course on adolescent reproductive health based on materials developed by the World Population Foundation.
• Workshops on health, rights awareness, HIV/AIDS and First Aid.
• Weekly sporting activities at the United Nations International School including football, volley ball, badminton and a summer swimming program.
• Social activities such as movies, ten-pin bowling, music events, visits to the water park.
• The Winter Appeal, which involves KOTO staff and trainees collecting clothing, blankets and food, and distributing these to the underprivileged over the Christmas period.
• Cultural and creative activities, team-building field trips, social activities and excursions.

The formal part of the life skills program provides the trainees with the knowledge and tools to take control of their lives. The informal activities give the trainees an opportunity to explore and develop other talents, and develop teamwork, friendship and a sense of family and stability.

KOTO's unique program, combining hospitality training with the development of life skills, is resulting in graduates who are not only well skilled and employable, but also emotionally and behaviourally developed individuals with values that are held in high-esteem in Vietnam, such as honesty, integrity, self-awareness, teamwork, responsibility, compassion towards their fellow people and a willingness to make a contribution to society.

KOTO Restaurant

Open seven days for breakfast and lunch, and dinner Friday, Saturday & Sunday, KOTO is no ordinary restaurant. It's a place where customers enjoy delicious Vietnamese and European cuisine and where the staff (mostly former street and disadvantaged youth) are so full of energy and enthusiasm that it's contagious. From sandwiches and refreshing juices to pastas, claypots and Vietnamese salads and stir frys, KOTO offers variety, freshness and guaranteed attentive service.

When you eat at KOTO, your money goes directly towards helping build a future for one young person. Preparing western style cuisine and providing polished service offers far brighter prospects than hawking postcards or shining shoes. At the KOTO restaurant, the young trainees put into practice what they've learnt in theory classes, they interact with customers and practice their English, work as a team and gradually improve their skills and increase their confidence.
KOTO Restaurant draws travelers, organised tour groups and a regular crowd of expatriates and Vietnamese customers.

For further information, please go to www.koto.com.au

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