GIBTK presented 500 wheelchairs to the disabled in Quang Binh
	GIBTK presents 748 wheelchairs to the disabled in Quang Binh

Robert Kalatschan (third from the right, back row) with children supported by GIBTK. (Photo: GIBTK)

According to Robert Kalatschan, GIBTK was founded from his family story. Unable to have children of their own, he and his wife decided to adopt. Their first child is a young Vietnamese-American man, adopted in Orange County (California, United States), which brought profound happiness to the family and fostered a natural bond with Vietnam.

The adoption journey brought his family back to Vietnam. In 2001, they came to the Go Vap Orphanage (Ho Chi Minh City) to adopt their second child, a daughter, and planned to leave Vietnam on September 11. However, the terrorist attacks in the United States forced the family to remain in Ho Chi Minh City.

During their extended stay in Vietnam, the Robert Kalatschan family had the opportunity to visit many more orphanages and centers for children with disabilities. The stories, circumstances, and the eyes of the children left a deep impression on them, following them back to the United States and continually urging them to take action… As a result, GIBTK was established in April 2002 with the mission of helping children pursue their dreams and gradually change the trajectory of their lives through education, healthcare, and long-term support programs.

Since then, GIBTK has effectively implemented more than 60 humanitarian projects, benefiting 291,000 people with a total disbursement value of over VND 546 billion. These efforts have been carried out through activities supporting orphans and vulnerable groups, building charity houses, supporting livelihoods, funding surgeries and medical equipment, providing scholarships, and implementing life-skills education and child protection programs in many localities.

President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Phan Anh Son (right) presents the Prime Minister’s Certificate of Merit to Robert Valentino Kalatschan, Founder and President of Giving It Back to Kids, on January 9, 2025, in Hanoi. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Prioritizing children - Foundation for sustainable development

Robert Kalatschan believes that Vietnam has achieved many noteworthy advances. Steady economic growth, together with policies investing in healthcare, education, and social welfare, has contributed to significant improvements in people’s living standards, particularly for children. The Government has shown increasing attention to, and clearer recognition of, children’s specific needs in the course of national development and modernization.

However, like many other countries, Vietnam continues to face challenges in narrowing gaps among different social groups. While many families are able to provide their children with better access to development opportunities, a considerable number of disadvantaged children still encounter difficulties in accessing basic services and long-term opportunities. Therefore, continuing to prioritize children, especially those in vulnerable circumstances, should be regarded as a key requirement in the new development phase.

Robert Kalatschan notes that areas such as education reform, strengthening child protection systems, mental health care, promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities, and sustainable development will continue to offer significant potential for cooperation. As social challenges facing young people become increasingly complex, preparing the younger generation for the future needs to be identified as a strategic priority.

He hopes that Vietnam will continue to be a partner alongside international organizations in the shared goal of building a stronger future for all children. GIBTK will remain committed to and maintain long-term cooperation with Vietnam, to ensure that all children, especially the most vulnerable and disadvantaged, are given opportunities to grow, nurture their dreams, and achieve success.

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