Khmer classes are held annually, starting after students finish high school and are held in most Theravada Buddhist pagodas in localities across the province. Prey Veng Pagoda, Hamlet 4, Tri Ton Commune has 5 Khmer classes. Monk Chau Chhonl - abbot of Prey Veng Pagoda said: "Khmer classes not only help children get acquainted with the Khmer language but also contribute to preserving and promoting the traditional cultural values of the nation. After completing the course, students are awarded certificates and are rewarded to encourage their learning spirit. In particular, the pagoda also has a test preparation class to certify primary level Khmer and Pali proficiency."
Mr. Chau Soc Thi is one of the Khmer language teaching volunteers who participate in teaching classes with the desire to preserve and promote the cultural identity of the Khmer people. In addition, the pagoda has 8 teachers, including monks and volunteers who are dedicated to preserving the language and writing of the Khmer people. On average, each class has 24 students, ranging in age from primary to secondary school. Classes are held in the afternoon. At the pagoda, students learn to read, learn about human ethics and knowledge related to the traditional culture of the nation.
Khmer class at Prey Veng pagoda, Tri Ton commune
At Kal Po Pruk Pagoda in Oc Eo Commune, 200 children come to study each year, including Kinh ethnic children living near the pagoda. The Khmer writing teaching activity during the summer has been maintained at the pagoda for 20 years. According to the deputy abbot of Kal Po Pruk Pagoda, Thach Phong, when the classes are held, the pagoda receives support from philanthropists and social organizations to provide additional resources for school supplies, necessities, and rewards for students who study well. In the context of cultural exchange, preserving the national identity is valued, arousing in children pride in their origins and the unique, distinct culture of their people.
This year’s summer classes have received enthusiastic responses from parents and students. However, some temples are still facing difficulties in the teaching process. Teachers volunteer to teach for free, but the temple hopes to have resources to support teachers’ morale. “We hope to receive support from organizations and individuals to improve facilities, provide adequate textbooks and ensure working conditions for teachers. Despite many difficulties, we try to bring the best learning environment to the children,” said abbot Chau Chhonl.
Néang Kha Ly, a resident of Tri Ton commune, shared: “Since I joined the Khmer class, I have always been happy and excited to go to class every day. In addition to learning how to read and write Khmer, I also learned more about the culture and traditions of the ethnic group.” At first, Kha Ly was afraid that learning Khmer would be difficult because the writing system has many special characters. Thanks to the dedicated guidance of the teacher, she now knows how to read, write, and can write short paragraphs. In addition, she understands more about the history, customs, practices, and traditional festivals of the ethnic group.
Over the years, these became familiar summer classes, every day, regularly 2 sessions, even 3 sessions, the grounds of Theravada Buddhist temples became classrooms with simple tables, chairs, and small boards... To make it easier for students to absorb, some lectures were composed by teachers into rhyming songs. The teaching methods were diverse and rich, interspersed with class time were fun activities. Thanks to these classes, the children learned to read and write Khmer.
Pagodas are places that preserve the cultural identity of the Khmer people, in which preserving the language and writing of the ethnic group in pagodas during the summer is one of the meaningful activities for the children of the Khmer people. This is also a practical activity responding to the policy of the Party and State on preserving the language and writing of ethnic minorities.
Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/lop-hoc-chu-duoi-mai-chua-a424305.html
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