Tens of thousands of students study Khmer language

After the merger, Vinh Long has 156 Khmer pagodas (including 143 Khmer pagodas in the former Tra Vinh province and 13 Khmer pagodas in the former Vinh Long province). Most of these pagodas organize Khmer language and script classes every year.

Preserving and promoting the Khmer language and writing has helped Khmer ethnic students form and develop skills, expand their understanding of culture, and foster a spirit of national solidarity.

In addition to teaching Khmer in schools, Khmer Theravada Buddhist pagodas also organize more than 900 free Khmer language cultural enrichment classes at pagodas. Over 800 monks, prestigious people among the people, fluent in Khmer participate in teaching, attracting more than 20,000 students.

These classes are usually held by the temple during the summer. This is the students' break time but they are all eager to go to class. The classes have helped to keep students away from phones and unhealthy games.

Thach Chau Ngoc, an 11th grade student at Tra Vinh Pali-Khmer Intermediate School, said that this year is the second time she has studied Khmer at Ang Pagoda (Nguyet Hoa Ward, Vinh Long Province).

Ngoc said that through each class, she learned many useful things. It was not only how to read and write Khmer but also about cultural stories and national ethics. "Before, I could speak but not write, now I can write letters in Khmer," the female student added.

Each class at the pagoda usually has 15 to 25 students studying during the 2 summer months. Every year, it attracts a large number of ethnic minority children in the commune to study. This activity not only helps children learn to read and write but also contributes to preserving and maintaining their mother tongue as well as the traditional identity of the nation.

In addition to writing, children also learn ethics, history, and traditional rituals of the Khmer people.

In the same class as Ngoc, Thach To Sovane Dara, a 9th grade student at Chau Thanh Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities, said he was very proud to learn the language and writing of his ethnic group.

"I hope to be able to teach the children in the neighborhood in the future. The teachers are very easy to understand and patient, and the learning atmosphere is very fun," added Dara.

Contribute to preserving spoken and written language

According to Venerable Thach Do Ra, one of the people directly teaching at Ang Pagoda (Nguyet Hoa Ward, Vinh Long Province), the class is divided into many groups according to level, studying both morning and afternoon.

“In addition to writing, we also incorporate ethics, history, and traditional rituals so that children understand their roots and live true to their national identity,” said the Venerable.

Monk Thach Le, abbot of Ta Ot Pagoda in Cau Ke Commune, said that for Khmer people, the pagoda is their second home. All cultural and traditional activities are concentrated at the pagoda. Opening classes is to create conditions for Khmer children to learn their mother tongue, thereby understanding their roots and preserving the traditional culture of the nation.

"Since the beginning of the year, the pagoda has opened 22 classes to teach Khmer to ethnic people. This is the duty of the previous learners to pass on to the next learners, a long-standing tradition of the Khmer people," said monk Thach Le.

Ms. Thach Thi Thu Ha - Director of the Department of Ethnic Minorities and Religions of Vinh Long province added that in the 2024-2025 school year, nearly 36,000 students will study Khmer at 125 schools and pagodas.

Previously, in Tra Vinh province (old), Khmer teachers received support of 35,000 VND/teaching period according to Resolution 13/2020.

Ms. Ha also said that she had advised the Provincial People's Committee to issue a policy to support those who directly teach Khmer at pagodas in the province, especially monks and Achar (reputable people). According to her, these are the core forces contributing to preserving the language, writing and culture of the Khmer people.

Vinh Long currently has more than 353,000 Khmer people, accounting for 8.42% of the province's population. In recent times, the implementation of national target programs in ethnic minority areas, along with the integration of local programs, Vinh Long province has gradually created development and innovation in the Khmer area.

Many programs to improve the lives of Khmer ethnic people in the province have been well implemented. The poverty rate among Khmer ethnic people has now decreased to 1.6% and near-poor households have decreased to 3.2%. Compared to 2021, the number of poor households decreased by 5.45% and near-poor households decreased by 7.09%.

With the prominence and richness of culture, especially the preservation and promotion of the language and writing of ethnic minorities, it has helped students who are children of Khmer ethnic minorities to form and develop the skills of using Khmer script. Thereby, expanding the understanding of ethnic culture, fostering the spirit of national solidarity, contributing to the preservation and promotion of language and writing...

Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/nhung-lop-hoc-mien-phi-tieng-khmer-duoi-mai-chua-post753942.html