KOTO Hanoi Graduation 2013

At 6.00 pm on Friday 3 May 2013, forty-three graduating trainees from KOTO Hanoi's classes 18 and 19, together with family, friends, KOTO alumni, staff, teachers, volunteers and supporters, gathered at the Hotel Pullman, 40 Cat Linh street, Hanoi to receive their diplomas and celebrate.

Classes 18 & 19 onstage

Graduation is the culmination of two years hard slog at KOTO during which the trainees have learned their trades - either cooking or front-of-house - english, life skills (everything from anger management to money management, sexual hygiene, relationships, general health), computer skills, played sport and taken part in charitable activities. They have worked at KOTO's public restaurant at 59 Van Mieu, Hanoi, and undertaken periods of work experience at Hanoi's leading hotels and restaurants.

From now on it's up to them...

But it also signifies the end of a close and loving relationship with their fellow trainees, the staff, their teachers and volunteers. KOTO is not a normal school; it is a family.

And for kids who have never known the love of a family or who have never had a father, a mother, siblings or anyone at all to love them (and there are plenty in this situation), it is a welcome experience to find an environment where they are valued, respected and loved.

So starting out on their own and leaving that protective and loving environment is naturally daunting..

Mixed emotions...

It's a full evening of entertainment with high profile Vietnamese performers donating their services (in fact, the venue, the catering, the services are usually all donated/sponsored), non-graduating trainees dancing, singing, play-acting, short films made with the graduates and of course speeches. The Australian ambassador, Mr Hugh Borrowman, made a particularly appropriate speech in which he gave some basic advice to the graduates about Learning, Living, Loving, Laughing...

As well as diplomas, bouquets and other gifts are presented.

Well-deserved bouquets

Candles are symbolically lit to shine on their future paths.

The flame is passed from one to another..

But it's basically time for the graduates to celebrate; for the graduates to sing together, thank all who have supported them, and show the world how good they are...

Celebrating,,,,

And for me it's a chance to catch up with all the people you have been privileged to help somehow.

My son, Mr Hiep, class 19, with his Aunty

With KOTO alumni, Mr Ninh (above) and Mr Quyen (below), now successful Chefs in leading establishments

Two years ago the graduating kids were nervous, undernourished, apprehensive individuals who had little idea of what they had let themselves in for or what the future may hold. 

To see them now as healthy, confident, optimistic, and happy professionals makes any effort worthwhile.