Cultural preservation in schools in Nam Khao

Costumes, folk games, folk songs and folk dances are included in extracurricular activities.

Realizing the responsibility of preserving ethnic culture, Nam Khao Primary and Secondary Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities (Muong Te Commune, Lai Chau Province) has integrated the preservation of ethnic cultural heritage into every lesson and every student experience.

The road to Muong Te commune today has been paved, winding along the banks of the majestic Da River. Previously, this place was considered a "sacred forest and poisonous water", now the traffic infrastructure has been invested in and built so the road is less far, the lives of the people have gradually changed.

However, the traditional cultural life of the locality seems to be shrinking. For example, the Cong and La Hu people in Nam Khao (formerly Nam Khao commune, now Muong Te commune) are special ethnic minorities, their culture is quite "sensitive" to the wave of modernization and economic development. In fact, it is easy to see that currently the young generation no longer wears traditional costumes every day, folk songs are gradually less sung, ancient stories only remain in the memories of the village elders... Therefore, bringing traditional culture into schools is considered a humane and sustainable way that Nam Khao Primary and Secondary Boarding School is implementing.

The Cong people in Lai Chau currently have only about 350 households with more than 1,500 people, residing mainly in the communes of Nam Khao, Muong Mo, and Bum To. The Cong people do not have their own written language, while knowledge and customs are passed down orally through songs, dances, and festivals. Therefore, the folk cultural treasure is very rich, but it is also easily lost due to the small population, difficult life, and cultural exchange...

Meanwhile, although the La Hu people are more numerous, due to their backward economic conditions, the preservation of traditional values is also limited. Therefore, the fact that students learn about their ethnic culture right at school has helped them feel more proud and aware of preserving the "soul" of their nation. Principal Vu Xuan Khoa said: "The school's students are mainly Cong and La Hu people. To contribute to preserving the traditional cultural beauty of the ethnic groups, we integrate cultural elements into each lesson.

For example, in Music class, students not only learn about melody and rhythm but also hum folk songs that the Cong and La Hu people have sung for generations. In History class, students hear about their ethnic wedding customs and festivals along with knowledge about the world , human history, and the country's history." Teacher Tong Thi Quyen, a History teacher, said: "In addition to the knowledge in textbooks, we guide students to the traditional culture of their own people. Every Tuesday and Thursday, students wear traditional costumes.

More than 100 students in national costumes on the school yard create a colorful picture. We understand that costumes are not just for wearing, but each stitch and pattern tells a story about the worldview, the memory, the soul of the nation. When students proudly wear that costume, it means that traditional culture is still being passed on, the heritage is still "alive", not "sleeping" in the museum. Not stopping there, the school also built a traditional room - a place to display and preserve artifacts donated by the people and artisans.

From weaving looms, silver jewelry sets, bamboo baskets, dresses, to musical instruments and daily living items, all have become vivid visual lessons. These artifacts are not only teaching aids but also "narratives" of the past, connecting today's generation with the nation's roots. Lo Thi Trang, a 9th grade student of the Cong ethnic group, said: "I am very proud to learn about the traditional culture of my ethnic group right in the school curriculum. Here, there is not only the culture of the Cong people but also of the La Hu people, helping us understand each other better and the cultural identity of each ethnic group.

I hope that in the future, such lessons will be maintained so that the next generation will not forget the traditions and history of our nation." Realizing the school's dedication, parents not only send their children to class but also teach them folk dances, games, folk songs and folk dances with teachers. Thanks to that, traditional culture is integrated into educational activities, becoming a part of school life. Although this cannot reduce the loss due to the process of exchange and integration, the school has gradually contributed to preserving and fostering identity, helping traditional culture to be preserved and promoted in modern life.

Article and photos: TRAN TUAN

Source: https://nhandan.vn/bao-ton-van-hoa-trong-truong-hoc-o-nam-khao-post919713.html