Project
Vietnam: Training for street youth in the hospitality sector
KOTO stands for 'Know One, Teach One'. Everyone should be able to learn; knowledge is meant to be shared. Based on this philosophy, the KOTO Foundation has been offering underprivileged youth in Vietnam a new start for years. Together with the TUI Care Foundation, this program was further developed in 2025 into the TUI Academy Hanoi, where young people are trained for a future in the hospitality sector. In this way, they are given the chance to rebuild their lives and create prospects for themselves and those around them.
95% successfully completes the training
On the streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, young people work at a young age to survive. They sell small items, do odd jobs, or live on the streets. Without education or guidance, they have little prospect of a stable and independent future.
The KOTO Foundation offers these young people a chance to change their lives. Approximately 100 young people are participating in a two-year hospitality program. Within the TUI Academy Hanoi, they are trained for a career in hotels and restaurants, while simultaneously working on their self-confidence and independence. Throughout the program, they also receive the guidance and support necessary to develop as individuals.
Why this project partner
KOTO distinguishes itself through the combination of education and practice. Through their own social enterprise, which includes restaurants and catering activities, students gain direct work experience. This not only makes the education more relevant but also increases the chances of employment upon completion. Moreover, this approach ensures that KOTO generates a portion of its own funding. As a result, the program becomes less dependent on external support and can continue to grow in the long term. At the same time, a direct link is created between learning and working, allowing students to develop in a realistic work environment. With over 25 years of experience and a strong network in the hospitality sector, KOTO has proven itself as a reliable and impactful partner. The combination of training, guidance, and access to work enables young people to truly take the step towards an independent future.
The role of TUI Care Foundation
Since the start of the partnership in 2025, KOTO has been able to further strengthen and expand this program with the support of the TUI Care Foundation. The partnership makes it possible to give more young people access to high-quality hospitality training and guidance towards employment. Within the TUI Academy Hanoi, the connection with the labor market is actively established. Students gain practical experience with hospitality partners and are prepared for a job in the sector. In addition, supplementary training, such as e-learning modules, is utilized to increase their chances of employment. Thanks to this partnership, a sustainable program is created in which education and work are closely aligned, and young people are given the opportunity to build an independent future.
