GIBTK President in Vietnam Honored for his Contribution to Vietnam's Sustainable Development

Over the past 22 years, Robert Valentino Kalatschan, President and Chief Representative of Giving It Back To Kids (GIBTK) in Vietnam, has made contributions to humanitarian work, helping to change the lives of many children, people with disabilities, and families in difficult circumstances. In recognition of his contributions to the sustainable development of Vietnam, on January 9, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations awarded him a Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister.
January 10, 2025 | 11:57
GIBTK presented 500 wheelchairs to the disabled in Quang Binh
GIBTK presents 748 wheelchairs to the disabled in Quang Binh
GIBTK President in Vietnam Honored for his Contribution to Vietnam's Sustainable Development
Phan Anh Son, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (R) presents a certificate of merit from the Prime Minister to Robert Valentino Kalatschan, President and Chief Representative of GIBTK in Vietnam, on Jan. 9 in Hanoi. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Since GIBTK began operating in Vietnam, Robert has effectively managed the organization, implementing over 60 humanitarian projects and aiding 291,000 beneficiaries across 22 provinces and cities. The total budget GIBTK has sponsored for Vietnam exceeds 546 billion VND.

In the health sector, GIBTK has sponsored 1,837 heart surgeries, 790 orthopedic surgeries, and 98 eye surgeries for children, and donated 16 containers of medical supplies to hospitals. Recognizing the significant need for wheelchairs for people with disabilities in Vietnam, Robert called for sponsorships and donated 188,620 wheelchairs. He and the GIBTK team have donated around 14,517 water filtration devices to disadvantaged households.

Regarding education, GIBTK has provided scholarships to 326 students at universities, colleges, and vocational schools, totaling more than 9 billion VND. Since 2016, the organization has implemented the "Supporting Knowledge and Life Skills for Students" program, offering free knowledge and life skills training to students in difficult circumstances in Quang Nam province. The organization also works on improving mental health, raising awareness about human trafficking in mountainous areas, and implementing drowning prevention programs in schools.

In the realm of social security, Robert established the "House of Hope" project to create a safe and nurturing environment for orphans, children in difficult circumstances, and single mothers under 22 years old with no other support. He has mobilized funds to build charity houses for 426 disadvantaged households in Quang Ngai and Quang Nam and organized livelihood support programs, including donating livestock to those in need. Additionally, he has called for support for people affected by natural disasters and pandemics.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Phan Anh Son, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, stated that the Prime Minister's Certificate of Merit recognizes Robert Valentino Kalatschan's positive contributions to Vietnam and his effective, close cooperation with the People's Aid Coordinating Committee and the Committee for Foreign non-governmental Organization Affairs over many years.

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