19 Years, Countless Lives, One Mission - Journal from our Vice President, Tam Tong

When I look back at my journey at Giving It Back to Kids (GIBTK), so much has been accomplished. My life has turned into a different direction after my one-year involvement with GIBTK. I decided to grow old together with the growth of the organization. I want to see lives changed through the amazing work we do.

I've witnessed thousands of children's lives transformed

The organization doesn’t just change kids’ lives, it has changed my life too. I have become a better version of myself every day thanks the learning opportunities given to me. I have achieved so much in my 19-years journey at GIBTK. I become a leader, a speaker, and an author but the most wonderful achievement is to see the transformed lives of kids we have been in touch with.

This is me during today’s filming session as a speaker for a second time

The best part of my journey is seeing the kids we’ve touched have their lives transformed

I have been given so much more than what I could give. GIBTK completes me, enables me to be the person I want to be and gives me a life of significance.

An unforgettable moment was when I helped a boy learn how to ride a bike

The fulfillment at work is something that I can’t express by words. It was the moment I could help a boy practicing to ride a bike for the first time in his life.

I held this little girl in my arms 18 years ago

It was the moment when I met a girl born 18 years ago at The Father’s House and now in grade 12 and will move to Lighthouse to continue her education .

She’s now in 12th grade and about to move into the Lighthouse home

It was the moment I saw the happiest smile of a heart patient I met when she was 5 years old but now in her university graduation ceremony. I can’t share enough of those special moments in my life.

A heart patient we once helped

I attended her graduation ceremony last week

I am so grateful to be chosen for this job. Clearly, I did not choose this job but this job chose me lol. My job doesn’t drain me, it fuels me and gives me energy to be stronger each and every day. 

I feel grateful to be able to truly “live” in this place

Today June 2, it marks my 19th years at GIBTK. I am excited to see what lies ahead of me in this journey in the year 20th. Success is not about money, or fame, or position... it is a journey where I can be myself, where I can do what I love and where I can see the amazing impact of the work I do. I am so grateful to be able to journey with GIBTK. I love GIBTK and GIBTK is my life. 

Thank you to my team who have always stood by me

Importantly, a special thank-you to my great leader, Robert Kalatschan and our great team in Viet Nam and in Cambodia. Thank you every single one of you. You all have made my journey more incredible and more meaningful. Thank you!!!

Thank you to this amazing Big Boss!

We're very pleased to help children in difficult circumstances as part of its mission. Become an important part of our work by contacting us at robert@givingitbacktokids.org or visiting our website: gibtk.org.

"We highly appreciate you and thank you for transforming lives"

Robert Kalatschan

Giving it Back to Kids

www.gibtk.org

robert@gibtk.org