Nearly 300 courses to teach the Khmer language were organised in pagodas across the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang during the summer, benefiting around 7,000 local monks and children from ethnic minority groups.
Local authorities supported pagodas to arrange courses from basic to advanced levels, enabling learners to use the language effectively, and hence preserve the nation’s cultural characteristics.
At present, courses in the Khmer language are maintained at primary and secondary schools in districts with high rates of Khmer people such as Chau Thanh, Go Quao, Giong Rieng, An Bien, Hon Dat, Kien Luong, Giang Thanh, Ha Tien and Rach Gia.
Apart from providing financial assistance for courses, local authorities have provided newspapers and other publications in the Khmer language to schools, pagodas and border posts in ethnic minority areas, with the aim to update information and raise public awareness of the current political and socio-cultural situation.
Kien Giang province has also continued to implement a Government Decree on teaching and studying ethnic minority languages in educational institutions while focusing on training teachers.-VNA
Khmer pagodas hold summer classes for children
Many Khmer pagodas in the southern province of Bac Lieu have opened summer classes on Khmer language for local children.