Nguyễn Phùng Quang Hiếu, a teacher at the Cư M'gar Secondary School for Ethnic Minorities in Cư M'gar District of Đắk Lắk  Province instructs students in playing ethnic musical instruments. VNA/VNS Photo

ĐẮK LẮK – Schools in the Tây Nguyên (Central Highlands) province of Đắk Lắk have in recent years focused on teaching about traditional cultures to ethnic students, the Vietnamplus reported.

Đắk Lắk has a rich cultural identity with more than 49 ethnic groups living together there, and so this approach has brought positive results, helping preserve and foster the unique cultural identities of the region.

Cư M'gar Secondary School for Ethnic Students in Cư M'gar District, which has 155 students from 13 ethnic communities - with the Êđê accounting for 70 per cent - is an outstanding example of the programme.

Vương Thị Hương, the school's vice principal, said along with improving teaching quality, the school also pays attention to preserving ethnic cultures.

"At the beginning of each academic year the school organises extra-curricular activities like performances of folk songs, dances, traditional musical instruments, costume shows, and cooking competitions.

“Thanks to these activities, students have a chance to further understand their culture and homeland.

"The school will continue to [help] students strengthen their mindset of being responsible for preserving the national culture and absorbing and honouring the culture of other ethnic groups." 

H Rên Niê Kđăm, an eighth grader, said she has participated in the school's programmes to promote the cultural identity of the Êđê people for several years.

“Through those activities, we understand and know the cultures of various ethnic groups. We are interested in and absorb the beauty of other cultures to develop our own cultural identity."

The N'Trang Long Ethnic Boarding High School in Buôn Ma Thuột City, with 535 students from 19 ethnic groups, has for many years organised physical and sports movements, folk games, cultural exchange festivals and other activities related to the heritage and traditional cultures of ethnic groups for students and teachers in an effort to foster and raise awareness of preserving ethnic cultures.

It has a gong club with 50 members who diligently practise on the instrument and dancing every day.

Young artisan H Lệ Tiên guides members of the gong club of the N'Trang Long Ethnic Boarding High School Buôn Ma Thuột city of Đắk Lắk Province. VNA/VNS Photo

The club benefits from the enthusiastic guidance of young artist and impromptu teacher H Lệ Tiên, and is now able to fluently play traditional dance and other music.

Y Huy Byă, a 11th grader and active member of the club, has been a member for two years. He said before joining he did not know how to play gongs, and found it very difficult.

"After practising for a while, I found it interesting. I will try to play and preserve the sound of the gong forever."

Trần Châu Thỏa, vice principal of the N'Trang Long Ethnic Boarding High School, said each student has a traditional costume.

During festivals and holidays they show off their costumes and feel proud about representing the 49 ethnic groups in Đắk Lắk, she said.

Deputy director of the province's Department of Education and Training, Đỗ Tường Hiệp, said the culture is currently influenced by many factors, especially from overseas.

But when the local cultural identity is promoted in school, students clearly understand the local and national cultures, he said. From daily lessons and practical experiences, students gain a deeper understanding of local cultural values ​​and and loving their homeland and country, he  said.

"Through cultural exchanges among ethnic groups, students in remote areas fight against bad customs and superstitions in the villages and preserve the best features."

To create awareness of preserving and promoting their cultural heritages among students, the Department of Education and Training organises a cultural and art exchange festival for students in 16 ethnic boarding schools. VNS