The Ly Thuong Kiet School in Dak Nong province has added gong classes to its curriculum to preserve the UNESCO-recognised intangible cultural heritage.
In an open space decorated with the cultural characteristics of the M’Nong ethnic minority group, children excitedly learn about the cultural roots of the gong, its importance to the spiritual lives of the Central Highlands’ people, and its journey to becoming an intangible cultural heritage.
The gong classes are a major endeavour by the Ly Thuong Kiet School, which recently bought a gong set worth over 1,300 USD.
With the gong set and a professional team, the school has decided to maintain regular gong classes taught by local artisans and to turn them into an optional subject.
Many artisans who know the secrets of playing the gong have unfortunately passed away. And the younger generation has little or no interest in gongs, due to a strong attraction to modern life and imported culture. As such, gongs have been gradually disappearing.
In addition to learning how to play, the students are also taught about a key part of their culture, which is an essential factor in preserving intangible cultural heritages among young people and the local community./.
