Spreading reading culture to remote villages

Every book is a valuable lesson

“No matter how difficult it is, don't be discouraged. Just try, persevere and always believe in yourself and you will achieve what you want.” That is what little girl Nahria Rose An Nhien (Co-ho ethnic, 2B grade student, Vo Thi Sau Primary School, Po To commune) concluded when reading the book "I go to school" by teacher Nguyen Ngoc Ky, reprinted by Ho Chi Minh City General Publishing House in 2023.

Nahria Rose An Nhien introduces the book "I go to school" to readers. **Photo: Vu Chi**

With profound educational meaning, the video introducing the book "I go to school" of the student won first prize at the elementary level in the "Online Book Introduction" contest organized by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

An Nhien shared: The book "I go to school" was bought for her by her mother during a trip to Pleiku. The autobiography tells the story of an unhappy childhood but always trying to rise up, overcoming adversity to achieve success of the "disabled but not useless" teacher Nguyen Ngoc Ky.

“I was very surprised and happy to win a high prize in the contest. I want to tell my friends that: Phones can bring fun games but books bring us knowledge, dreams and imagination. When reading books, we learn how to live well, love and become smarter every day. Therefore, if you read a good book, do not hesitate to share it with teachers, friends and parents so that the joy of reading can spread,” An Nhien confided.

For Ms. Nay H'Hieng - Deputy Secretary of the Ia Sao Commune Youth Union, the third prize at the contest is a breakthrough, surpassing herself because last year she only won the consolation prize. Through the book "How much is youth worth" by author Rosie Nguyen, first published by the Writers' Association Publishing House in 2016, Ms. H'Hieng understood that: "Youth is not for hesitation, but for action; not for living to please others, but for living fully with yourself".

Thanks to that, from a person who used to struggle with countless choices, used to wonder if she was living in accordance with her passion, used to be afraid of stepping out of her comfort zone, Ms. Nay H'Hieng has become more mature and has a more positive mindset when facing difficulties and challenges. In the work of the Youth Union, she always upholds the spirit of responsibility, boldly participates in activities and movements; proposes and advises on organizing many practical activities for young people.

Meanwhile, Ms. Y Mi Ra (Bahnar ethnic, member of the Ia Tul Commune Farmers' Association) chose to introduce to readers the book "Colors of Folk Culture" volume 2 published by Da Nang Publishing House in 2027. Taking the context of traditional festivals in the village, Ms. Mi Ra's video clip helped viewers visualize more clearly the customs and unique cultural features of the ethnic communities in the Central Highlands.

Ms. Mi Ra said: "The book is a valuable document that helps people like me, who are children of the mountains and forests, to understand more, love more, be more proud, and be determined to preserve, promote and introduce the beauty of national culture to everyone."

Spread reading culture in the community

Although she is only in second grade, An Nhien has trained herself to read books every day. That is the secret to helping her win high prizes in the competition. Her love of reading was born and nurtured by the fairy tales her mother used to tell her every night. When she grew up, her parents often chose books as gifts for her every time they came back from a business trip. Therefore, she owns a collection of books and stories with many genres.

“I often participate in introducing books at the flag-raising ceremony at the beginning of the week or in class meetings. I also participate in donating books to students in difficult circumstances,” An Nhien said.

Ms. Nay H'Hieng (standing in the middle) spreads the love of books to union members and young people. **Photo: Vu Chi**

Also with the aim of spreading the love of books among the youth union members, Ms. H'Hieng and the Executive Committee of the Commune Youth Union mobilized to build a "Youth Bookshelf", thereby helping young people access good books, equip themselves with useful knowledge as well as live a more useful life every day.

Talking to reporters, Mr. Nguyen Thai Son, Director of the Ia Pa Center for Culture - Information & Sports, said: The "Online Book Introduction" contest is a useful playground for book lovers. The presence of many ethnic minority individuals in the contest has shown the strong influence of this contest. Ia Pa district (old) has 2 individuals who are Jrai and Bahnar people winning prizes in this year's contest. With elaborate investment, the videos have received hundreds, even thousands of likes and shares, thereby contributing to inspiring and spreading the reading culture in the community.

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/lan-toa-van-hoa-doc-den-buon-lang-vung-sau-post564449.html