Khmer class at Serey Kandal pagoda, Vinh Phuoc ward, attracts many students.
Learning at the Buddha's door
Every summer afternoon, the atmosphere at Serey Kandal Pagoda (Vinh Phuoc Ward) becomes bustling. In the peaceful space, under the majestic pagoda roof, the large yard echoes with the voices of students reading, the monks' lectures and the children's laughter. Simple rows of tables and chairs are neatly arranged in the classrooms, each child is absorbed in practicing calligraphy with excitement clearly visible on their faces.
Son Thi Ngoc Thuy, a second grader, excitedly shared: “In the summer, my friends and I went to the pagoda to learn Khmer, it was so much fun! In addition to learning to read and write, we also listened to the monk teach about morality. I really like studying at the pagoda!” Meanwhile, Thach Minh Tai, who is studying in the third grade of Khmer, happily shared: “Since the summer break, I have been going to class every day. Thanks to studying here, I have learned many new words and made many friends.”
Parents also expressed their joy and peace of mind when sending their children to classes at the pagoda. Ms. Son Thi Sa Ren - a parent whose child is studying at Serey Kandal Pagoda, confided: "I am very happy to see my child enjoy learning Khmer every day. This is an opportunity for my child to acquire knowledge about the language, writing, and traditional customs of the nation, while avoiding getting involved in video games or social evils."
This summer, Serey Kandal Pagoda has received more than 450 students from grades 1 to 4. The pagoda has proactively arranged classrooms, divided classes by age, arranged reasonable study time and mobilized specialized monks to teach. Venerable Thach Hong, Abbot of Serey Kandal Pagoda, said: “This is not only aneducational activity but also a way to preserve the language and writing that are the soul of the Khmer people. For children in difficult circumstances, the pagoda fully supports books and pens so that they can go to class with peace of mind.”
Spread the spirit of preserving national language
The movement to open Khmer classes has spread strongly to pagodas such as Chhung Thum Pagoda (Lai Hoa Commune), Sala Pôthi Serey Sakor Pagoda, Serey Kro Sang Pagoda (Vinh Chau Ward)... Each pagoda attracts from 50 to 400 students and monks to study classes from grade 1 to grade 3 and even elementary Pali classes. This is a testament to the community's interest in preserving the mother tongue and Khmer culture.
Venerable Thach Phet, abbot of Sala Pôthi Serey Sakor Pagoda, said: “Every summer, Khmer Theravada Buddhist pagodas organize Khmer classes completely free of charge, creating conditions for Buddhist children to come and study. This activity has been maintained for decades as a good tradition. Learning Khmer not only helps children learn to read and write Khmer, but also helps them understand the customs and practices, and the morality of being a human being according to the Buddha's teachings.”
With the support of local authorities and the enthusiasm of the abbots, summer classes at the pagoda are constantly maintained and developed. This is also an ideal "summer school" for children in rural areas with a large Khmer population. These classes, though simple and plain, are places to light up knowledge, arouse awareness of preserving the national language and spread love for Khmer culture in the hearts of every child. It is a quiet but meaningful journey, contributing to nurturing a generation of young Khmer people.
Article and photos: THACH PICH
Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/nuoi-duong-ban-sac-dan-toc-a188298.html
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