La Triệu Vỹ graduated in 2019 from our youth employment programme in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, where he was trained at the Le Meridien, a Marriott hotel property.

La Triệu Vỹ, was born in the rural district of Núi Thành, in Vietnam’s Quảng nam province. At the age of 15, La Triệu Vỹ had to leave his education and find work to support his family.

“Having a stable job and becoming a good citizen were my tiny dream at that time. My family did not have enough money to keep me in school because my father’s job was unstable, and my mother was disabled. I had to earn money for my survival, so I worked as a waiter and kitchen helper, but these jobs weren’t very stable or had opportunities to progress.”

La Triệu Vỹ learnt about our youth employment programme in Ho Chi Minh city, through our implementing partners REACH. Following consultation with REACH,  La Triệu Vỹ joined our programme, training at Le Meridien, a Marriott hotel.

“I was given many supports and enthusiasm from our teachers on those first days to settle in a new city. During those first days in Le Meridien Hotel, when I felt strange in the new environment, Ms Trang from HR Department became my helper to guide me through new things and Hotel Regulations”

During the programme, La Triệu Vỹ received training in life-skills, such as typing and English language lessons.

“More than that, we also experienced an outing to learn team-work skills and help some other disadvantaged children from Thảo Đàn Organisation.”

He was trained in the basic hospitality skills, which he was able to put into practice at the hotel.

La Triệu Vỹ is preparing food in the hotel kitchen“I was delighted to join in the Cold Kitchen where I learnt basic knife skills, food decoration and food safety. I also learnt how to make dumplings and soups, as well as set-up for the western buffet.”

“At first it was difficult for me to adjust to the working environment. Sometimes I was clumsy, but when I messed things up, my mentors were always friendly and assisted me and cared for my heath, too. I always wanted to give them my full respect and admiration.

When I got tired and failed and I wanted to give up, there was always a warm hand to help and motivate me. I was taught self-healing and given continued support.”

“When I got tired and failed and I wanted to give up, there was always a warm hand to help and motivate me. I was taught self-healing and given continued support.”

La Triệu Vỹ, graduate, Vietnam

After graduation, La Triệu Vỹ was offered a job as part of the kitchen team at the Le Meridien hotel.

“In next year, I hope to become a shift supervisor in the hotel kitchen and continue to improve the skills I have learnt on the programme.

I would like to express my gratefulness towards this programme, the hotel staff and trainers who have spent time guiding us to acquire important vocational skills. It has improved my mindset and confidence day by day. I am ready to start a new life-journey.”