GIBTK President in Viet Nam Honored for his Contribution to Viet Nam'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 Viet Nam, on Jan. 9 in Hanoi. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Since GIBTK began operating in Viet Nam, 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 Viet Nam 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 Viet Nam, 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 Viet Nam and his effective, close cooperation with the People's Aid Coordinating Committee and the Committee for Foreign non-governmental Organization Affairs over many years.

Source: Vietnamtimes