Thao Thi Xa, 19, from Sa Pa, Lao Cai, decided to pursue vocational training, defying her family's wish for her to marry young. Born into a family of eight siblings, Xa recounted that her parents were upset and did not speak to her for nearly a month because she disobeyed them.

Similarly, Lo A Dao, 24, also from Sa Pa, chose to change his career path. He left his assistant chef job, which paid 8 million dong a month, to restart his education. "Tourism in my hometown is developing. After I finish my studies and return, I will have a better job", Dao stated.

Both Xa and Dao are currently residential students in the 2025-2027 cohort at KOTO, a social enterprise with 27 years of experience providing vocational training in the hospitality sector to disadvantaged youth. KOTO's core offering is a comprehensive 24-month residential training program, which provides international vocational certification, English language skills, life skills, holistic care, and 100% job placement opportunities.

Xa and Dao are beneficiaries of the "Our Turn" project, which was launched on 21/8 in Phat Tich commune, Tien Du, Bac Ninh. Building on the success of the "Her Turn" project, which focused on ethnic minority women, "Our Turn" expands restaurant and hotel vocational training to include people with disabilities and the LGBT community. This five-year initiative, implemented by KOTO in partnership with Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, is expected to directly train 275 individuals and indirectly support over 3,800 workers.

Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Gillian Bird highlighted Australia's more than ten-year partnership with KOTO. "KOTO has demonstrated the transformative power of investing in people. The next phase of our partnership – Our Turn – will build on this foundation to promote inclusion within Vietnam's hospitality and tourism sectors", she said.

Jimmy Pham, KOTO's founder, emphasized that inclusion means not only providing opportunities but also ensuring that disadvantaged individuals can truly seize them. "We need to meet people where they are and help them rise", he explained.

Jimmy Pham, KOTO founder, and Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Gillian Bird launch the Our Turn project. Photo: KOTO

According to a Mekong Economics 2024 report, 100% of KOTO graduates are employed by 4-5 star hotels. The "Her Turn" project's trainees, in particular, earn salaries 90% higher than the industry average, delivering a social return on investment of 22% annually over the past 20 years. Through its 24-month program, which covers professional skills, English, and life skills, KOTO has empowered more than 2,000 disadvantaged young people to find employment and achieve financial independence.

Phan Duong