In a remote district of Vietnam, a dedicated group of students from the Ba Na Mong ethnic minority gather each evening to embark on a unique educational journey. At 7:00 pm, a local parish priest’s voice echoes through a loudspeaker, signaling the start of their studies.
These students, adults with a range of life experiences, bring with them a sense of determination and a desire to learn. Among them is HNai, 63, whose unwavering commitment to her writing practice serves as a testament to her belief in the importance of the process of learning itself.
For HNai, and many others like her, this class represents more than just an opportunity to gain literacy skills. It is a chance to find joy in studying and to embrace a newfound sense of empowerment.
Voi, a 50-year-old student, exemplifies this transformation. Through the class, he is gaining the skills to manage his family’s hectare of coffee trees more independently. No longer reliant on friends to write down fertilizer names, Voi embodies the self-sufficiency that these classes foster.
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| A moment of quiet concentration: Duong, 41, practices her writing while her four-year-old son sleeps soundly on her back. Photo: T.Luc / Tuoi Tre |
Duong, a 41-year-old student, attends the class with her four-year-old son in tow. Her story is one of resilience and hope. After losing her husband to alcohol addiction, she was left to raise seven children on her own. Now, she sees literacy as a pathway to new job opportunities and a means to support her family.
Dom, a 36-year-old mother of four, shares a similar sentiment. For her, literacy is about integration and overcoming obstacles. She hopes to navigate administrative tasks with ease and take control of essential tasks like completing birth certificates and enrolling her children in school.
What started as a class of 30 students has now grown to 65, with more residents recognizing the value of education. According to Quang, the dedicated teacher of this class, these students juggle their studies with various life commitments, showcasing their unwavering dedication.
The impact of these literacy classes extends beyond the walls of the classroom. Dak Somei Elementary School and local authorities have collaborated to offer two such classes, benefiting a total of 110 residents. Furthermore, the Gia Lai Department of Education and Training reported that the province has established 225 literacy classes, catering to 6,200 students eager to learn.
In these classes, students are not just acquiring literacy skills; they are embracing a brighter future, filled with possibilities and a sense of community.
The Magic of Vietnam Culture Day Returns to Eure-et-Loir, France
The Vietnam Culture Day, held in France’s Eure-et-Loir province, offered a glimpse into the heart of Vietnamese culture. With Paris over 100 kilometres away, the event showcased a tranquil countryside, the elegance of the Ao Dai traditional dress, fine art, and the melodic tones of traditional music. It was a celebration of Vietnam’s rich heritage and a chance to share it with the world.
Vietnam Week 2024 in the USA: Celebrating Cultural Heritage, Inspiring the Next Generation
Vietnam Week 2024 was an extraordinary celebration of traditional culture, hosted by the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, D.C. From October 4th to 12th, the museum came alive with vibrant performances, exhibits, and educational programs, all paying homage to Vietnam’s rich heritage and inspiring future generations.
“Art for Aid: A Creative Initiative to Support Flood Victims”
Individuals and collectives joined forces to contribute an incredible VND2.850 billion through a collaborative art program, organized by the Voice of Vietnam (VOV) and Hanoi Moi newspaper on September 17. This initiative aimed to provide support and relief to those affected by the devastating typhoon Yagi, showcasing the power of community and the arts in times of crisis.
The Graceful Art of Vietnam’s Traditional Long Dress: A Festival Celebration in Hanoi
The Hanoi Department of Tourism, in a collaborative effort with the Hanoi Women’s Union, the Hanoi Youth Union, and other esteemed agencies, proudly presented the Hanoi 2024 Ao Dai Tourism Festival on October 4. This festival aimed to celebrate and promote the elegant and iconic traditional long dress of Vietnam, the áo dà i.
Celebrating the Rich Culture of Vietnamese Ethnic Groups: A Mid-April Festival
The Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism is proud to present a diverse range of activities and events in the picturesque township of Son Tay, just outside the capital, from April 18 to 21. This special celebration, marking the culture day of Vietnamese ethnic groups, promises to be a vibrant and immersive experience for all.
