Learning through Life Skills
KOTO believes that vocational training alone cannot equip its trainees with everything they need to succeed in life. Therefore, an essential part of KOTO's training is the life skills program, designed to help the trainees develop self-confidence and social skills. The program includes:
- A formal course on adolescent reproductive health based on materials developed by the World Population Foundation.
- Workshops on health, rights awareness, HIV/AIDS and First Aid.
- Weekly sporting activities at the United Nations International School including football, volley ball, badminton and a summer swimming program.
- Social activities such as movies, ten-pin bowling, music events, visits to the water park.
- The Winter Appeal, which involves KOTO staff and trainees collecting clothing, blankets and food, and distributing these to the underprivileged over the Christmas period.
- Cultural and creative activities, team-building field trips, social activities and excursions.
The formal part of the life skills program provides the trainees with the knowledge and tools to take control of their lives. The informal activities give the trainees an opportunity to explore and develop other talents, and develop teamwork, friendship and a sense of family and stability.
KOTO's unique program, combining hospitality training with the development of life skills, is resulting in graduates who are not only well skilled and employable, but also emotionally and behaviourally developed individuals with values that are held in high-esteem in Vietnam, such as honesty, integrity, self-awareness, teamwork, responsibility, compassion towards their fellow people and a willingness to make a contribution to society.
"Adolescence is a critical period in every person's life. It is a time when young people discover themselves and establish patterns for their adult life. Many adolescents are misinformed about the reproductive process, so I am very lucky to have the chance to give the KOTO trainees accurate information. The course I teach is helpful for adults too, particularly about friendship, love, learning and changing behaviours, and of course, reproductive health."
Ms Do Thuy Nga
Adolescent Reproductive Health Teacher