KOTO's long-term residence near the Temple of Literature, Hanoi.

The Hanoi restaurant brings in former street kids to instil life skills and teach them a trade in the hope of keeping them, off the mean streets and giving them the opportunity of a new life.

However, KOTO must move from its long-term residence near the Temple of Literature by spring next year, and is therefore seeking funds for a new location.

To meet the costs incurred in shifting and refurbishing a new facility, the Build a New Home for KOTO campaign has been initiated, inviting diners, friends and other interested parties to invest in a brick for the new premises. 

Australian chef Nhut Huynh will launch the campaign on Thursday, November 11^th at 6.30pm. The culinary maestro was born in Vietnam and is now head chef at the exclusive RQ restaurant in Sydney.

While in Hanoi, he will work with KOTO trainees to create some extra special fare for the campaign kick off.

Each brick can be sponsored for $50 and will be inscribed with the name of the donor. Hopefully the appeal will be able to rake in the lion’s share of the $80,000 needed to kit out the new location. 

“Our current lease is about to run out so we have no choice but to move. We have identified a site and are in negotiations about securing it,” said KOTO founder Jimmy Pham. “The move must happen but it will take a great deal of work to make it a reality.”

“However, the new site, which is in a more central location, will also open up new opportunities to KOTO. It will also hopefully mean increased revenue which will help push us towards becoming a genuinely sustainable organisation.”

The organisation formed in 2000, in the hope of getting down and out kids off the streets and into some real vocational training. With 50 kids currently manning the decks, KOTO provides housing, clothing and healthcare throughout each 18-month training programme.

For the legion of kids who have already graduated the internationally recognised qualifications bestowed by KOTO see them into positions with some top-notch employers. KOTO now has a 100% employment rate upon graduation, with alumni finding work in major hotels, restaurants and bars throughout Vietnam.

“What has been achieved by KOTO trainees, graduates and staff is phenomenal and the restaurant is central to everything we do,” Jimmy added. “It provides training, experience and is the public face of the KOTO organisation.”

“The new restaurant will represent a new chapter for KOTO. Ever since we set up we have received tremendous support. Now we need a real push to secure our long-term future and enable us to continue to help young, disadvantaged people in Hanoi.”

To attend the appeal launch, to buy a brick or to make a donation, please contact Steve Jackson steve@koto.netnam.vn or call (84) 4-847 3492.

For more information on KOTO please go to:

http://www.streetvoices.com.au/

VietNamNet