Preserving national identity from summer classes

BPO - Language and writing are the soul of every nation. Therefore, if not respected and preserved, one day, the mother tongue may be forgotten, along with the fading of cultural identity and roots. Realizing that, for the past 15 years, every summer, Soc Lon Pagoda, Loc Khanh Commune, Loc Ninh District has organized free Khmer classes for local Khmer children. This activity not only helps the younger generation preserve their ancestral language but also contributes to preserving the traditional culture of the nation.

Báo Bình Phước•19/06/2025

This year, the Khmer writing class attracted nearly 300 students of different ages. The classes were held at Soc Lon Pagoda and 3 hamlets of Ba Ven, Cha Don, Lam Bui, Loc Khanh commune. In addition to learning to read, write, and practice Khmer, the children also participated in cultural and artistic activities such as traditional dance, playing traditional musical instruments, and folk games, etc., thereby increasing their love and appreciation for their national cultural identity.

To maintain the class regularly for many years, we cannot fail to mention the silent and meaningful dedication of the monks and the team of volunteers. They not only teach, but also pay close attention to the situation and spend time visiting each house to mobilize and create the best conditions for the children to attend class regularly.

As a teacher at Soc Lon Pagoda, monk Lam Da Ro shared: “The language and writing of a nation are very important and need to be preserved and promoted. I am happy and pleased to be able to teach the children so that we can preserve the writing that our ancestors left behind. While teaching, I regularly check each child’s level of understanding to provide timely support. In addition, we also organize gifts of candy and snacks to encourage the children’s spirit and help them become more interested in learning.

Having taught Khmer in the summer for many years, Ms. Thi Sap Hat said: "I am very happy to see the children diligently coming to class, especially the increasing number. I combine teaching with traditional music and dance to create a more lively and diverse learning atmosphere. Every weekend, we also organize folk games to create cohesion, the classroom atmosphere is always lively and happy."

Visiting the class taught by Mr. Huynh Vinh Phat, we learned that he is over 70 years old and is from Soc Trang province. Because he wanted to teach his mother tongue and writing to the children, Mr. Phat put aside his work in his hometown to stay at Soc Lon pagoda to teach Khmer to students for many years. "I love the children like my own children. I hope they understand, love and preserve the national culture. In addition to teaching the language and writing, I also focus oneducating the ethics, communication etiquette... of the Khmer people" - Mr. Phat shared.

Not only do the “teachers” feel happy, but the students also clearly feel the happiness of learning the language and writing of their people. Huynh Minh Khai, a third grader, shared enthusiastically: During the summer vacation, I am very happy to go to the pagoda to learn and meet my friends. I will try my best to study well so as not to let everyone down.

Every summer, the Khmer class at Soc Lon Pagoda adds a new generation of students who can read and write, proud of their ethnic cultural roots. And as long as the sound of the Khmer language still echoes under the pagoda roof, the flame of Khmer culture will continue to be preserved, spread and live forever in the souls of the young generation.