“Before coming to KOTO, I was very shy and felt quite vulnerable. I didn't even know how to express myself. My first impression when I joined KOTO was this is a true family where everyone cares about one another, the staff and trainees are extremely friendly and helpful. I knew right away that I had landed in the right place. I started to improve my communication skills and made a great effort to learn new skills.

Coming to KOTO, I hope to be able to gain the skills to become a skillful bartender. This will provide me with the opportunity to improve my communication skills with the customers. In addition, it is a job where I can express my creativity, which is something I have always wanted to do.

"I was born into a family of 8 and life has really been a struggle for us. I have worked since I was very young but I have never given up on my pursuit of an education. The one thing that I have always been grateful for is that my family always share unconditional love with each other. That is why I have a strong motivation to live, work and learn for a better life for my family. From the very first moment I walked into KOTO, I felt that everyone is very warm, genuine and welcoming. The elder brothers and sisters really showed their care for the new members, as if we have been a part of the family for a long time".

"I was born into a family of 9: my parents, my 6 siblings and I. My family relies primarily on my parents’ farming work to surive so we receive aid from the local government. My hobbies are reading and singing. I also love traveling. I hope that in the future, when I have more money, I can travel to more places within Vietnam and overseas. My biggest strength is that, I like standing on a stage and singing songs. I am also able to easily convese with new people and I like to make new friends. My weakness is that, sometimes, I am a bit sensitive. I don’t like instant and fatty food because it is not good for my health. Therefore I want to be a good chef and cook wholesome food for my family and I".

My name is Binh and I am 18 years old. I come from a rural province of Dien Bien, a mountainous area in north-west of Vietnam. Our government-certified 'in poverty' household of 3 people comprises my father, my older brother, and I. After being diagnosed with Lupus, my mother's hospital fees was extremely expensive and left a debt of $4,000, sadly after all the treatments, she still passed away in 2018. Our only source of income is from a small rice field, which only makes $50 a month. My father is 46 years old but has already developed severe back pain from years of farming. My older brother also helps out in the field, but requires constant medication due to asthma. Becoming a KOTO trainee means the world to me as I know my family's situation will change positively after I graduate. My hobbies are listening to music, watching movies and hanging out with friends. But now I feel more positive because KOTO has given me a precious opportunity for a better future, as well as a second family. The senior trainees have been very welcoming and always help us newcomers with any issues. My classmates are also very easy to get along with. My most cherished memories are the time I spent with my mother who always loved and took good care of everyone.

"My father passed away 2 years ago and my mother remarried. Prior to joining KOTO, I was living on my own. I did many jobs such as ironing clothes or working as an internet sales assistant but my income was very unstable. In my free time, I like playing football and playing with cats and dogs. Sometimes I reward myself with a sleep in. In the future, I wish I could have an opportunity to travel to many places to appreciate cultural diversity. I would also like to try camping and BBQs and endless chit chat with friends. My strength is that, I am quite independent, I dont want to rely on anyone because it might make me lazy".

"I was born into a family of 6 in a remote area. We are totally reliant on the income from the farm to support us. We are recognized as a semi-poverty household and receive monthly financial support from the government. My hobbies are painting, cooking and decorating things. I love art and I am pretty handy. I really like creating new things from old and unwanted items that people can enjoy. This, I consider to be my proudest strength. However, sometimes, I do not have faith in my own abilities and this makes me hesitant. I rarely express myself, and I am afraid to communicate with new people. My feeling is KOTO is the right place for me to start my dream. Joining this family, I have opportunities to study and raise my awareness of the possibilities available. KOTO provides me with a solid foundation to build upon the kindness of every member - the trainees, the teachers, the volunteers and more. Therefore, I feel like I am back in my real home again".

"I am from a family of 4 but in 2017, my father passed away because of cancer. After that, my mum, my two younger siblings and I moved to live in my Uncle's house. We did many jobs in order to make a living. My mom sells vegetables, my younger brother works as a towel wrapper and my younger sister works as a waitress. Despite us all working hard, our total income was around 250USD per month and therefore was not enough for us to cover all the living expenses. I applied KOTO in 2017, but at that time, our family situation was too difficult so I delayed starting to support my mom by working. I study here because I know my future ahead of me is far different to what I have been through".

"I have 3 siblings. My mother often gambled and amassed huge debts. She left suddenly and we have no idea where she is now. For many years, my father avoided a 20 year jail senetence but in 2011, he finally decided to complete his sentence. My 3 siblings and I lived with our grandparents. My eldest brother works to support our grandparents to raise us. I usually spend my free time reading books and watching TV programs which relate to life skills. I love listening to music. When I listen to my favorite songs and I like to sing along. I believe that, to make others happy, you need to make yourself happy first. Therefore, I will try my best to optimize the chance that KOTO has given me and be a happy person".

"I do not know much about my father, since he left before my mother delivered me into this world. My mother is now in the Hanoi drug rehabilitation centre No. 2. The Supporting Center No.3 raised me until I was 18. Before joining KOTO, I was living with my aunt and my grandmother and working as a waiter in a coffee shop. My hobbies are playing soccer, learning English and dancing. I am also keen on learning by observing and following others. Sometimes, I see that I am easily embarrassed and often procrastinate, which I know can prevent me from achieving my fullest potential. Now, I am starting to think about all the difficulties that my mother and I have gone through to push myself in situations where I feel uncomfortable or when I start to procrastinate. I believe that you have to start your task to come closer to reaching your goal. ".