In an exciting new collaboration, Mekong Quilts is proud to announce our partnership with KOTO, which stands for “Know One, Teach One.” This joint effort brings together two impactful social enterprises with a shared mission: to provide valuable training and create sustainable employment opportunities for disadvantaged youth and women in Vietnam. As part of this collaboration, KOTO has opened a new restaurant, ST25 by KOTO, at Sofitel Saigon Plaza in Ho Chi Minh City, where you can now find and purchase Mekong Quilts products. This unique partnership not only enhances our outreach but also brings our beautifully handcrafted items to a broader audience.

Mekong Quilts: Weaving Dreams and Transforming Lives Through Artisan Craftsmanship

Mekong Quilts is a pioneering social enterprise dedicated to transforming lives through sustainable employment and craftsmanship. Founded in 2001, Mekong Quilts started with a humble quilting workshop in Ho Chi Minh City, employing local women artisans to create beautiful, handcrafted quilts. The mission was clear: to provide a steady source of income for women in rural communities, enabling them to support their families and improve their quality of life.

 

Bernard Kervyn, founder of Mekong Plus, the mother company of Mekong Quilts

 

Over the years, Mekong Quilts has expanded its range of products to include not just quilts but also fashion items, eco-friendly bags, home decor, and even bamboo bicycles. Each product is meticulously crafted by skilled artisans, ensuring both quality and a deep connection to cultural traditions. By purchasing Mekong Quilts products, customers are directly contributing to the welfare of these artisans and their communities.

 

One of Mekong Quilts’ artisan working on papier-maché souvenirs

 

The Birth of KOTO

KOTO has emerged as a beacon of hope for disadvantaged young people, offering them a path to a brighter future through hospitality training and life skills education. As Vietnam’s first social enterprise, KOTO has not only revolutionized the concept of vocational training but has also set a new standard for social impact in the country.

The story of KOTO begins with Jimmy Pham, a Vietnamese-Australian whose compassion and vision laid the foundation for this transformative organization. Born in Vietnam in 1972, Jimmy moved to Australia as a young child, growing up in Sydney with a keen interest in tourism and hospitality.

 

Jimmy Pham, the Founder of KOTO

 

In 1996, during a trip back to his homeland, Jimmy had a life-changing encounter with street children in Saigon. Moved by their plight and their simple desire for skills to find stable jobs, Jimmy was inspired to make a lasting difference. This pivotal moment gave birth to KOTO’s guiding principle: “Know One, Teach One” – the idea that knowledge should be shared and passed on.

KOTO’s Mission and Impact

Since its inception, KOTO has been dedicated to providing positive, permanent change for at-risk and disadvantaged youth. The organization offers a comprehensive two-year hospitality training program that goes beyond vocational skills to include essential life skills. This holistic approach ensures that KOTO trainees are not just prepared for a job but for life.

KOTO’s impact on the lives of disadvantaged youth in Vietnam is profound and far-reaching. Central to its success is the internationally recognized accreditation from Australia’s Box Hill Institute, enabling graduates to pursue global career opportunities.

 

 

The KOTO team

 

With over 1,200 graduates since its inception, KOTO boasts an impressive track record. Alumni have excelled in the hospitality industry, with many becoming executive chefs, hotel managers, and business owners, showcasing the quality of KOTO’s training program.

KOTO’s most significant impact is its role in breaking the cycle of poverty. By equipping youth with valuable skills, KOTO enables graduates to support their families and contribute to society, creating a ripple effect that uplifts entire communities.

While rooted in hospitality training, KOTO is expanding into other vocational fields to address issues such as gender equality and environmental impact. This forward-thinking approach ensures KOTO remains relevant and continues to positively impact Vietnam’s youth for years to come.

KOTO’s Unique Approach

What sets KOTO apart is its commitment to going beyond expectations. The organization strives not just to be the best in what they do but to create a “wow” factor in every aspect of their work. This dedication to excellence has earned KOTO recognition as a leading social enterprise both in Vietnam and internationally.

 

One of the member of KOTO

 

KOTO’s vision extends beyond individual success stories. The organization aims to become 100% self-sustained, a goal that seems increasingly achievable given their track record of excellence and value creation.

A Collaboration That Changes Lives

We are thrilled to collaborate with KOTO, aligning our efforts to create a more significant impact. This partnership brings together the training and craftsmanship of Mekong Quilts with KOTO’s expertise in hospitality education, fostering a powerful synergy to support disadvantaged communities.

 

 

The new ST25, by KOTO

 

KOTO recently opened the restaurant ST25 by KOTO at Sofitel Saigon Plaza in Ho Chi Minh City. This restaurant not only serves delicious meals but also showcases the beautiful products of Mekong Quilts. By dining at ST25 by KOTO, patrons can enjoy a wonderful culinary experience while supporting our artisans and empowering young people.

How You Can Participate

Visit ST25 by KOTO at Sofitel Saigon Plaza, located at 17 Le Duan Street, in Saigon’s District 1, to enjoy a meal and explore the unique handcrafted items from Mekong Quilts. Each purchase directly supports our talented artisans, with 30% of the proceeds going to KOTO to fund their vital projects.

 

 

A team member from Mekong Quilts’ holding a handcrafted bed quilt

 

You can also shop online at Mekong Quilts and know that your purchase helps provide scholarships and training for disadvantaged youth and women in Vietnam and Cambodia. Every product you buy from Mekong Quilts contributes to a better future for these communities.

How to Support KOTO

Your support can make a tremendous difference. Here are ways you can help:

• Donate: Contributions to KOTO can directly fund training programs and support the expansion into new vocational fields.
• Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to assist in training and mentoring young people.
• Spread the Word: Share the stories of KOTO and Mekong Quilts on social media and within your networks to raise awareness and support.
• Dine with Impact: Enjoy a fabulous meal and meet our trainees at KOTO Van Mieu, KOTO’s training restaurant in Hanoi.

Together, Mekong Quilts and KOTO are making strides towards sustainable employment and education for disadvantaged communities. Join us in this journey to create a brighter future, one stitch and one lesson at a time.

Where to find Mekong Quilts

• 85, Pasteur Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• 2 P. Hàng Ngang, Hàng Đào, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi

Or online at http://mekongquilts.com/