The temple yard echoes with children's voices
Early in the morning in June, when the first rays of the day have not yet penetrated the shady rows of palm trees, the yard of Som Rong Pagoda is bustling with the footsteps of young students. Groups of students, holding their books and notebooks, chattering excitedly, eagerly enter a special class - the Khmer summer class organized by the pagoda.
This year’s class welcomes about 150 children, from grades 1 to 5. Regardless of family circumstances or initial level, all children are welcomed with affection and enthusiasm by the monks. In the spacious, cool room under the ancient temple roof, tables and chairs are neatly arranged, the blackboard is placed at the front of the classroom with soft Khmer writing like traditional motifs appearing vividly.
Children's summer literacy class at Khmer pagoda. |
The person who has been with the class for many years is the gentle and devoted monk Lam Binh Thanh. For more than 10 years, he has regularly prepared lesson plans and lectures. He not only teaches letters but also teaches the morality, history and cultural traditions of the Khmer people to the young generation. "What I want most is not only for the children to know how to read and write Khmer, but also for each letter to become a thread that preserves the cultural identity of our people," said the monk Lam Binh Thanh.
In the classroom, the teacher's voice mixed with the students' voices reading, creating a bustling and warm sound. Some students were unfamiliar with the letters, some could read fluently, but all were diligent and enthusiastic. Son Quanh Tha, who was attending the class for the first time, said innocently: "On the first day, I was very worried because I didn't know how to write or read Khmer. But the monk patiently held my hand to write each stroke. Now I know the consonants and vowels. I love studying and will try my best to get a high score on the final exam."
Writing - a cultural bridge
Can Tho today and Soc Trang in the past are localities with a large Khmer population, where the Khmer language and writing are not only a means of communication but also the soul of culture. Therefore, organizing Khmer classes in pagodas during the summer has become a long-standing traditional beauty. This is not only an educational activity but also a journey to preserve the cultural heritage of the whole community.
Not only Som Rong Pagoda, many other Khmer pagodas in the area, such as: Serey Pôthi Đơm Pô Pagoda; Mahatup Pagoda; Sala Pôthi Serey Sakor Pagoda... also organize free Khmer classes during the summer. Depending on the conditions of each place, the class may have few or many students, but the common point is the enthusiasm and desire to teach Khmer of the monks. The valuable thing is that the classes do not charge tuition fees but also support books and snacks for the children. In those pagodas, the children not only learn to read but also learn to be human, live in a pure environment, close to good morality and traditions.
Mr. Thach Chanh, the parent of a third grader at Som Rong Pagoda, emotionally shared: “Last summer, my child knew nothing about Khmer. After 3 months of studying at the pagoda, he was able to read Khmer fairy tales to his grandparents. My family is grateful to the monks for their dedicated teaching. Not only did he learn to read, my child also learned manners, patience, and pride in his people.”
Summer classes in the temple also become a place to connect the community, a safe and healthy environment for children. Instead of burying their heads in their phones or playing useless games, children are exposed to a unique cultural space, learning in a caring and loving environment. It is a wayof educating with both intelligence and heart.
However, behind the excitement are worries. Many children born into Khmer families no longer know how to speak or write Khmer. The encroachment of modern lifestyle has caused a part of the youth to gradually drift away from their own cultural roots. “Without timely attention, in just a few more generations, there may be no one left who can use Khmer,” said Master Lam Binh Thanh slowly, his voice sad.
Therefore, for him and other monks, maintaining the class is not only a responsibility but also a wish. That is how they keep the cultural flame never extinguished in the hearts of the young generation. The companionship of the temple, family, education sector and local government is the support for classes like this to exist and develop. Many Khmer teachers in the formal education system are also mobilized to support, creating a close connection between tradition and modernity.
In the afternoon, in the yard of Som Rong pagoda, the sound of reading still resounds evenly. The Khmer letters still appear regularly, each stroke is firm like a cultural connection. The Khmer summer class is not only a place to sow letters but also a place to nurture national pride, so that today and tomorrow, children will not forget their roots.
Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/ron-rang-lop-hoc-chu-khmer-ngay-he-a423559.html
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