Students learning and experiencing the art of 'xoan' singing. Photo baophutho.vn

HÀ NỘI — Education authorities in the northern province of Phú Thọ have led the way in preserving intangible heritage and spiritual culture by adding them to the mainstream curriculums of schools.

A new model themed Trường Học Gắn Với Di Sản (Schools Attached to Heritage) is being actively implemented in 100 per cent of primary, junior and high schools in the province. With this model, the province aims to promote the value of heritage and foster love among the young generation.

Phú Thọ education authorities have particularly included the two UNESCO recognised heritages of xoan singing and Hùng King worshipping in its local teaching programme under the new general education scheme since the 2021-2022 school year.

The programme has helped provide students with basic knowledge and a better understanding of traditional culture and the history of the nation.

It also helped equip students with necessary skills in protecting, collecting pictures, drawing, composing, propagating and promoting cultural heritage, customs and practices of ethnic minorities in the province.

Accordingly, teachers of related subjects have compiled their teaching materials to integrate them with content about heritage and historical, cultural, artistic and tourism values. They also provide students with scientific knowledge about the environment and protecting heritage in the lessons, and at the same time, organise practical activities such as sightseeing tours and competitions.

Gia Cẩm Primary School and Phong Châu High School have made remarkable efforts to integrate xoan singing and Hùng Kings worship belief into their curriculum. The schools have established a well-organised plan for xoan singing, with all classes learning and performing it.

A Xoan singing performance in Phù Ninh District – VNA/VNS Photo Quý Trung

A xoan singing club has been established for students in Gia Cẩm School to connect with local experts in the field and to perform at political events.

A grade five student, Nguyễn Thị Thúy Diễm, said: "We have been learning xoan singing since the first grade, starting with short and easy-to-remember songs and progressing to longer and more challenging ones. Our school also held a field trip to visit ancient villages. Now, I can sing a lot of xoan songs, and I love it."

Meanwhile, Phong Châu High School has included the protection of Hùng King worshipping in the curriculum and extracurricular activities, such as visits to historical sites and museums, as a model of preserving this cultural heritage.

With these initiatives, Phú Thọ Province sets an example for other provinces in Việt Nam to follow in preserving their unique cultural heritage. VNS