A Khmer language teaching class (Source: travinh.gov.vn) Tra Vinh (VNA) - How to improve the quality of Khmer ethnic language teaching and learning was the main topic of a conference in the Mekong Delta province of Tra Vinh on November 4.
The event, jointly held by the National Assembly’s Council for Ethnic Minority Affairs, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Vietnam and Tra Vinh University, drew nearly 100 international experts, representatives from the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) and local officials.
In her remarks, the council’s Vice Chairwoman Trieu Thi Nai said the Khmer language is now being taught to over 70,000 students in the nine Mekong Delta cities and provinces of Tra Vinh, Soc Trang, Ca Mau, Bac Lieu, Hau Giang, Can Tho, An Giang, Kien Giang and Vinh Long.
However, she said, Khmer language teaching and learning are facing a range of barriers such as poor facilities and equipment, unqualified teachers and the lack of textbooks.
Participants underlined the need to review the professional ability of Khmer language teachers in order to promptly organise training courses for them.
They suggested the MoET build a project on correcting textbooks for elementary and secondary students while compiling others for high school students.
More investments should be poured into upgrading learning and teaching facilities and equipment, they added.
Tra Vinh University is the only education institution in Vietnam offering college, university and post-graduate training programmes on the culture, language and literature of the Khmer ethnic group.-VNA
