KOTO—Vietnam’s leading non-profit social enterprise that serves at-risk and disadvantaged youth—organized the Graduation Ceremony of the KOTO class of 2014, last Friday, June 26 at the Sofitel Plaza Saigon. KOTO transforms the lives of youth in Vietnam through its unique holistic hospitality training program and training restaurants.
Class 7 Graduates with Jimmy, KOTO Founder
Jimmy Pham, KOTO founder, global ambassador, and chairman of the board of trustees shared: “Our 2015 graduation theme, ‘I Do’, highlights the fact that our graduates are committed to first changing their own lives, and then to changing the lives others around them. KOTO trainee’s actions will create a ripple effect around the world, because if you ‘Know one, then you should teach one’.”
Jimmy during the Dream Bottle Section Ceremony Class 7
At the start of each trainee’s journey at KOTO, each one creates a Dream Bottle, symbolizing their hopes and dreams for the future.
Each KOTO graduation ceremony features the Dream Bottle ceremony, a touching ceremony symbolizing the achievement of the necessary life skills, technical, and service aptitude to begin a successful career in hospitality.
Graduating trainees earn Certificate III in Hospitality, accredited by Box Hill Institute, Australia. The credential enables graduates to enhance their career path either working in Vietnam or overseas.
Touching moment of KOTO Graduate and Alumni
At the event, 7th class of KOTO in Ho Chi Minh City, the 20th class of KOTO in 15 years of operation, 20 graduates were celebrated by over 300 guests, including KOTO trainee sponsors and parents, KOTO staff and volunteers, and KOTO Foundation donors.
Sofitel provided the ballroom, other sponsors included Starbucks Coffee, list the sponsors.
The event also featured a special appearance by celebrity performer, Trong Khuong.
“KOTO appreciates the generosity of trainee sponsors, whom we now call “Dream Makers”, our donors, KOTO alumni, and our staff for supporting and making graduate’s dreams come true.
Congratulations to graduates for their efforts and achievement, and we wish them the best.,” Dana McNairn KOTO CEO, stated.
Addressing the graduates and community at the commencement were special guests, Mr. John McAnulty AM, Consul General, Australian Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City; Mr. Bertrand Courtois, General Manager, Sofitel Plaza Saigon; and Mr. Ben Hall, Chairman of the Board of Directors, EMpower.