After just a few lessons, 10-year-old Duong Thi Thu Uyen from Khe Tien village, Hoanh Mo commune, can already sing Pá Dung folk songs clearly and confidently. It takes her about 30 minutes to walk from home to the class, and she has never missed a lesson. “I've already learnt four songs. I really love singing folk songs,” said Uyen.
Hoanh Mo is a mountainous border commune, where most residents are from the Dao Thanh Phan ethnic group. Local authorities have organised traditional embroidery and Pa Dung singing classes for children and teenagers in July and August. In the embroidery class, the children begin with basic stitches before learning how to create traditional patterns and motifs. More importantly, they learn why their traditional attire features such intricate and elaborate designs.
The Pa Dung singing class of artisan Ly Thi Hanh has about 40 children. Pa Dung songs are performed by the Dao Thanh Phan during festivals, celebrations and courtship. “Once the children have learnt the Pa Dung melodies, they become more confident singing in front of an audience. They can perform and introduce the Dao’s traditional songs to visitors.”
Located at the foot of Yen Tu Mountain, west of Hoanh Mo Commune, the Khe Su residential area in Yen Tu Ward is home to the largest Dao Thanh Y community. Every Sunday evening, the Dao Cultural Exhibition House is brightly lit as members of the Youth Union organise themed summer activities. Many enthusiastic children attend, proudly wearing their traditional ethnic costumes.
The session begins with familiar objects that the children see every day but may not fully understand their significance. For example, the traditional hat decorated with silver buttons is believed by the Dao people to ward off evil spirits and protect one's health. They also learn about handmade brassieres and belts adorned with motifs of birds, plants and flowers. Youth Union members organise quizzes about traditional rituals, the three stages of a traditional marriage – proposal, engagement and wedding ceremony, and hear stories about the Dao Thanh Y Coming-of-Age Ceremony.
9th grader Truong Hong Diep said: “I really love my ethnic group's traditional costume because it has a unique beauty that cannot be found anywhere else. The class helps me understand my culture much better.”
Interestingly, the classes at Khe Su have also attracted children of other groups. Bui Duy Phuc is an 11th grader of the Kinh. “I really want to learn about Dao culture. I join the club with my Dao friends and I can learn many things from them. Their culture is fascinating.”
Parents including Pham Thi Thuy Linh have also enthusiastically joined the classes. “The children are excited and look forward to each session because they enjoy meeting their friends. It's a wonderful way for them to learn more about their ethnic identity and traditions. With this knowledge, they will be able to share their cultural heritage with others,” Linh said.
Dang Van Khoi, Deputy Secretary of the Yen Tu ward Youth Union, said the Khe Su model is expanding, especially now that Yen Tu has become a World Cultural Heritage site. “We encourage all local branches to organise more themed activities, focusing on culture. These activities help young people gain a deeper understanding of their roots while preserving and promoting Yen Tu's outstanding cultural value,” said Khoi.
