My Thoughts and Stuff: KOTO Hanoi

In an attempt to chase the sun, we had a team trip to Hanoi this weekend. We were supposed to go to Hoi An but it is flooded (apparently more than 1.5m - did I mention that it has been wet here?). In Hanoi there is a great not-for-profit called "Know One, Teach One" (or KOTO).
The training program is designed to help disadvantaged youth (orphans, at risk kids) by providing them with a loving environment and skills as chefs/wait staff in the restaurant business. All food and service at the KOTO restaurant is from the hands of the KOTO program participants. This is a quote from their website:

Every six months KOTO takes about 25 disadvantaged youth off the streets or from extremely difficult life circumstances to undertake an 24-month intensive life skills, English language and hospitality training program. KOTO currently has up to 70 trainees in its program.

KOTO trainees are all aged between 16 and 22 and are selected for the program based on their life situation. They must have the capacity to undertake training and work in the hospitality industry and be committed to KOTO's philosophy.

After being accepted into KOTO, trainees are given vaccinations and health checks, they are provided with uniforms, laundry, accommodation in group houses, lunch every day and ongoing health care. The trainees are paid an allowance, which enables them to focus on their studies, save a little for the future and provide some financial support to their families

So of course, we had to go and have dinner at KOTO. It was wonderful - the food was great, the staff was friendly and fun, the venue was relaxed and perfect after a long day of running around Hanoi following IBMer-turned-tour-guide Sven.