KOTO Founder Jimmy Pham Honoured

Volunteer Louise was with KOTO for two and a half years as chef trainer.

The AYAD Program congratulates Founder of Know One Teach One (KOTO), Jimmy Pham, who has been recognised by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as a Young Global Leader.

KOTO, a not-for-profit restaurant and vocational training program, has lifted over 300 Vietnamese youth out of poverty by offering them training and employment.
The Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development (AYAD) Programs has supported the work being carried out in communities in Vietnam through KOTO. Skilled and experienced Australian volunteers have fulfilled roles including Restaurant Manager and Accountant. They worked alongside counterparts from KOTO who were able to benefit from the knowledge the AYAD volunteers shared during their assignments.
Pham, who was born in Vietnam and raised in Sydney, Australia, said, “I’m humbled by the amazing honour that has been bestowed upon me by the World Economic Forum.
“It highlights the plight of street and disadvantaged youth and vindicates the work we’re doing at KOTO, including the importance of social enterprise as a means of helping people lift themselves out of poverty and live their lives with integrity,” said Jimmy.
Professional accomplishments, commitment to society and potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world through inspiring leadership are among the WEF selection criteria.
Austraining International’s In Country Manager, Hoanh Thi Hanh, said, “In the ten years the AYAD Program in Vietnam has been partnering with KOTO, we have been fascinated to see how rewarding their volunteer assignments are. The AYAD assignments with KOTO have been successful due to their supportive working environment. Our volunteers have been challenged while working with the disadvantaged young people and able to contribute to them standing on their own.