Few would have imagined that Hoàng - a boy who grew up in a “troubled” environment and nearly veered off track - would one day confidently cook vegetarian dishes, deliver presentations in English at a competition hosted by the Canadian Embassy, and earn the title of KOTO’s “Shining Student of 2024”. His success is the result of a resilient journey - one where he was trusted, listened to, and accompanied every step of the way. Thanks to the persistent guidance from KOTO and SCDI, he began to see a new version of himself: strong, confident, and full of hope.

Vocational training at KOTO: empowering disadvantaged youth

Recognizing the critical importance of providing disadvantaged youth with access to education and career opportunities, for many years, SCDI has connected young people from its community projects with the social enterprise KOTO (Know One, Teach One).

Founded in 1999, KOTO is a leading social enterprise in Vietnam, with the mission to empower at-risk youth through professional training programs in the hospitality and tourism industries. Upon completing the program, students are equipped with the skills and confidence to work in high-quality restaurants and hotels.

Each year, KOTO offers over 100 scholarships to underprivileged youth. Instead of offering short-term help, the aim is to give these young people the knowledge and confidence to build a place for themselves in society. “Education is the pathway out of poverty” - a belief shared by both SCDI and KOTO.

KOTO's training programs include a two-year vocational and career preparation course, along with the six-month Her-Turn program for young women and girls, designed to foster economic self-reliance. Throughout their time at KOTO, students are not only trained in industry-specific skills but also receive full support in housing, daily essentials, soft skills classes, English lessons, as well as health and well-being care. In their final six months, students complete three internships, each two months long, at various hotels in a range of positions. After graduating, they receive official certification and job placement support.

Photo: At KOTO, students also join life skills and English classes

SCDI - A Bridge Between KOTO and disadvantaged Youth

For years, SCDI has acted as a bridge, connecting young people from low-income families in project areas to KOTO’s vocational programs. As of 2024, SCDI has referred 18 youths to KOTO’s training programs.

Hoàng’s journey: A remarkable transformation

Photo: Hoàng receiving second prize in a vegan ingredient cooking contest by the Canadian Embassy

Hoàng was connected to KOTO in 2024 through SCDI’s “Breaking the Cycle” project. Previously, he and his younger sister grew up in a rundown boarding neighborhood in Bạch Đằng, Hà Nội - near the banks of the Red River - without any parental care. Thanks to a recommendation from an SCDI staff member, he was accepted into KOTO even after the enrollment list had officially closed - a rare exception.

At first, Hoàng stood out for his bluntness and his tendency to challenge his teachers. His stubborn attitude and resistance to learning initially posed challenges. Over time, though, he began to adapt to this new environment. With regular meals and a structured routine, he gained 5kg and showed significant personal growth. Like many others at KOTO, he was equipped with essential life skills and found himself embraced by a big, loving family.

During a vegan cooking competition organized by the Canadian Embassy, Hoàng’s team won second place. The once defiant and somewhat aloof boy now stood alongside his teammates, planning the menu, preparing their dish, and delivering a presentation before the judges - all in English.

Photo: Hoàng sharing his journey during "Flow of Hope" - an event by KOTO and SCDI for local youth and residents in Bạch Đằng, Hanoi, where he lives

Hoàng’s story is not only proof of what young people can achieve when given a chance, but also a source of pride for those who have quietly supported his journey of change. Beyond Hoàng, there are many others whose lives have also been changed, through their educational journey with KOTO.

Siu H’Rih and Siu H’Ngo - From a small village to the classroom

Photo: Siu H’Rih and Siu H’Ngo with Dr. Khuất Thị Hải Oanh, Director of SCDI, on the way to KOTO

Siu H’Rih and Siu H’Ngo were among the first students connected to KOTO by SCDI. From a small village in Ia Pa district, Gia Lai province - in Vietnam’s Central Highlands - Rih is the fourth child in her family. Her father passed away when she was young, and she could not finish high school. As for Ngo, she had to leave school after Grade 8 to help make ends meet at home, as their father was ill and the household had many children. In their community, the typical path for girls after school was either marriage or factory work. 

So when SCDI introduced them to KOTO, the sisters eagerly applied. They took a 100km bus ride to Pleiku City, then boarded a flight to Hà Nội. Along the way, they got to experience a whole new world - visiting historical sites and stepping into an entirely different life. They officially joined KOTO’s 42nd cohort, full of nerves, hope, and excitement.

After six months in the Her-Turn program, the sisters interned at a resort—and were later hired by one of the top resorts in Hội An - an UNESCO-recognized heritage site and one of Vietnam’s busiest tourist attractions. With a base salary of 6 million VND, meals and lodging covered, and additional income opportunities, their new life was something they had never imagined before beginning this journey.

This journey didn’t just change the lives of Hoàng, Rih, and Ngo - it also proved that when trust is given at the right time and support comes from the heart, any limit can be surpassed. The partnership between SCDI and KOTO is more than just a collaboration; it is a shared commitment to building a sustainable future, where every young person is empowered to be their true self, to dream, and to help uplift the very communities they came from.