(VOVWORLD) - Folk songs of different regions and ethnic groups have been taught at many schools in the northern mountain province of Dien Bien. Through the lessons, the students learn about their unique traditions and culture and the need to preserve and promote those values.
 Students from Nua Ngam secondary school during a folk singing lesson. (Photo: VOV) |
Teachers at Nua Ngam Commune’s secondary school have collected and taught their students traditional folk songs such as those of the Thai and Mong ethnic minorities. Traditional musical instruments are also introduced.
Student Do Thi Kim Thu said she finds the lessons more exciting and easier to understand. “I feel proud when I perform songs about our homeland. I even love my family, my parents and my grandparents more.”
Education about ethnic cultural identities are also integrated into art lessons. The paintings about ethnic minority people in traditional costumes, performing Xoe dance give the students a glimpse into the typical characteristics of the ethnic groups living in Dien Bien Province.
“The topic about ethnic people at work is so close to life. I drew a picture of a woman carrying rice home on her shoulder. In my locality, most of the households are involved in growing rice and farming,” said Ha Thi Thanh Thao, a student at Nua Ngam Commune secondary school.
84% of students at Nua Ngam Commune secondary school are from ethnic minority groups of the Thai, Laos, Mong, and Kho Mu. They wear traditional costumes once a week. The teachers have designed suitable teaching plans and activities which include folk games, and dances to educate their students about the traditional ethnic cultures.
 Teacher Lu Thi Yen applies creative methods to make her lecture closer to her students. (Photo: VOV) |
“In the art class, students can learn and receive hands-on experience in graphics, printmaking, as well as fashion and industrial design. They are interested in the fine arts and drawings about their villages. Dien Bien Province is home to a large population of the Thai who are famous for their Xoe dance. Thus, lessons about the Thai culture attract the students’ attention,” teacher Lu Thi Yen said.
Integrating the cultural stories of Dien Bien’s 19 ethnic minority groups in the school curriculum is a creative way to help students better understand the ethnic cultures of the province.