The traditional Khmer musical ensemble of Mahatup Pagoda performs for the audience and engages in cultural exchange. Photo: DANH THÀNH
During the trip, the group visited the Ao Ba Om scenic area in Vinh Long province, a place preserving many cultural and historical values of the Khmer people. Through folk tales, the members gained a deeper understanding of the tradition of solidarity, the spirit of overcoming difficulties, and the philosophy of life of their ancestors. The group continued to visit Mahatup Pagoda (Bat Pagoda) and the traditional Khmer musical instrument ensemble of Mahatup Pagoda. The simple yet profound folk dances and songs not only recreated the cultural and spiritual life of the Khmer people in Southern Vietnam but also conveyed a message about the role of learning and knowledge in changing lives, especially for ethnic minority youth.
The highlight of the trip was an exchange and awareness campaign on preventing child marriage and consanguineous marriage with teachers and students of Huynh Cuong Ethnic Boarding High School in Can Tho City. Here, members of the model's steering committee shared their perspectives and lessons learned from participating in awareness activities at the school. Mr. Danh Dong, Secretary of the Youth Union of An Giang 1 Ethnic Boarding High School, said: “The exchange not only helped students from both schools better understand the harmful effects of child marriage and consanguineous marriage but also provided an opportunity for them to exchange and learn from each other.”
Following the exchange program, the delegation continued their tour by visiting the Bac Lieu Prince's House and the Bac Lieu Wind Farm – symbolic structures representing the aspiration for progress, innovation, and sustainable development. The trip left many participants with much to think about and a renewed determination. Deputy Director of the Department of Ethnic Minorities and Religion , Danh Tha, emphasized: “Over the years, the Department has always focused on propaganda work, establishing and maintaining effective clubs for preventing child marriage and consanguineous marriage in ethnic minority areas. To date, 100% of ethnic boarding schools in the province have established such clubs. The exchange and learning of experiences between schools will help students access better practices, which they can then apply appropriately to their own schools.”
Since its establishment, the "Prevention and Control of Child Marriage and Consanguineous Marriage" model among ethnic minority youth at An Giang 1 Ethnic Boarding High School has become a familiar activity for ethnic minority students. After one year of operation, from initial awareness campaigns to regular activities and this recent study tour, the "Prevention and Control of Child Marriage and Consanguineous Marriage" model at An Giang 1 Ethnic Boarding High School is gradually affirming its role as a core force in the school, contributing to the local efforts to effectively prevent and control child marriage and consanguineous marriage among ethnic minority communities.
Sharing his thoughts after the trip, Duong Thanh Dat, a member of the model's management board, said: "Through this visit and exchange, I learned more valuable experiences in raising awareness and will share them with my classmates at school, helping everyone better understand the harmful effects of child marriage and consanguineous marriage so that we can all build a better future together."
Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/lan-toa-thong-diep-khong-tao-hon-a471423.html
