Students attentively learn the Khmer script at Ta Đơk Pagoda, Vĩnh Châu ward.
Ta Đơk Pagoda in Vĩnh Châu ward has been busier than usual these past few days. Groups of students, neatly dressed, are present in the classroom. They attentively look at the blackboard, spelling out each letter together under the dedicated guidance of the monks.
Thach Ngoc Han, a second-grade student at the temple, happily shared: “Coming to the temple to study allows me to meet friends and learn more Khmer. Besides learning the language, the monks also teach us about morality and how to behave towards our grandparents, parents, and everyone around us.”
This year, Ta Dok Pagoda opened three Khmer language classes for grades 1 to 3, attracting nearly 100 students. Venerable Thach Ha, who directly teaches the classes, said: “This year, the learning atmosphere is much more lively. Many parents take advantage of the time to drop off and pick up their children; some children who live far away still walk or cycle to class together. Instead of letting children stay at home spending too much time on phones or online games, coming to the pagoda to learn literacy and etiquette helps them develop more comprehensively and healthily.”
At Chhung Thum Pagoda in Lai Hoa commune, summer Khmer language classes have been regularly held for many years. This summer, the pagoda organized classes for grades 1 to 3, attracting more than 300 students currently attending primary and secondary schools in the area. In simple classrooms filled with laughter, the children diligently practiced writing each letter and reading each syllable under the dedicated guidance of the monks. For those new to the ethnic language, learning begins with recognizing letters, vowels, and consonants, then practicing reading and writing before moving on to combining syllables and spelling.
Venerable Kim Thuong, Abbot of Chhung Thum Pagoda, said: “The summer vacation is a suitable time for children to come to the pagoda to learn the Khmer language. This is also a common desire of the Khmer people in preserving and passing on their national language and script to the younger generation. In addition, the children also receive training in ethics, cultural etiquette, and life skills.”
Besides teaching the Khmer language, many temples also open beginner Pali classes to provide opportunities for students and monks to enhance their cultural and religious knowledge. At Prêk On Đơk Temple in Nhu Gia commune, this summer more than 100 students and monks participated in Khmer and Pali classes. Venerable Lâm Chanh Sầm Nang, Deputy Abbot of Prêk On Đơk Temple, said: “The temple always pays attention to the education and training of Buddhist children. Opening Khmer and Pali classes not only helps children understand their ethnic language but also contributes to preserving the beautiful traditional cultural values of the Khmer people.”
The movement to open Khmer language classes during the summer is spreading strongly at many Khmer temples in the city, such as: Dom Om Pil, Serey Kandal (Vinh Phuoc ward); Sala Pothi Serey Sakor, Serey Kro Sang (Vinh Chau ward); Kom Pong Trop, Tum Nup, Peang Som Rith (An Ninh commune); Prek Ta Kuol (Gia Hoa commune)... Each temple attracts from a few dozen to over 400 students and monks participating in classes from grade 1 to grade 4, along with elementary Pali classes.
These classes are quietly "nurturing" knowledge, fostering love for the mother tongue, and contributing to the preservation of Khmer cultural identity for future generations.
Text and photos: THACH PICH
Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/-uom-mam-chu-khmer-a208636.html
