Every summer, Mr. Danh Nghe (living in Hoa Le hamlet, Thoi Quan commune, Go Quao district, Kien Giang province) is busy with the job of teaching Khmer.
Taking advantage of two spare classrooms of the Primary School located in the grounds of Co Khia Cu Pagoda, along with simple, old wooden tables and chairs, Mr. Nghe was able to teach the children.
Mr. Danh Nghe said: In the summer of 1999, he coordinated with Co Khia Cu Pagoda to mobilize local people and neighboring localities to send children to Khmer language classes. The class had no budget, so the pagoda mobilized Buddhists to support the cost of buying notebooks, pens, chalk, and books to maintain teaching and learning.
“At first, there were only about 6 or 7 students coming to class, but I was not discouraged and persisted, then it increased to several dozen students. I am very happy that my efforts have been trusted by the people,” said Mr. Nghe.
In recent years, there are usually more than 50 students attending the summer, and this has been maintained regularly and has brought about very good results. Mr. Nghe confided: “We have our own unique characteristics, and we must preserve that identity. Moreover, learning many languages will also be an advantage when working in the border areas and ethnic minority areas.”
As a child, he learned Khmer in the temple, thanks to which he was able to teach writing and calculations in Khmer from grade 1 to grade 5. About 2.5 months in the summer is the time Mr. Nghe devotes to teaching writing.
At first, teaching was very difficult due to lack of facilities and traffic problems. Even on rainy days, the class was still full, motivating the non-professional teacher to continue teaching for over 24 years. That was his joy and also the meaningful work that he wanted to contribute to the community.
Mr. Danh Nghe confided: "I am very happy that the children can learn Khmer, so I can overcome any difficulties. I am not a professionally trained teacher, but only a small contributor to imparting writing to the children of the Khmer ethnic group."
Not only a place for studying and practicing religion, Co Khia Cu Pagoda is also a place for children to play, entertain and learn about national cultural identity every summer.
Ta Minh Tu - a 4th grade student at Hoa Le 1 Primary School - shared: "I find learning Khmer very useful, it helps me understand, speak and write, so I am very happy. I learn Vietnamese and also Khmer to know more, trying to study better."
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Tham - Vice Chairman of Thoi Quan Commune People's Committee - said: Mr. Danh Nghe has been teaching Khmer for quite a long time. He is very enthusiastic and dedicated to imparting the Khmer language to ethnic minority children.
"He also researched and learned new books and articles to apply in teaching students. This work has contributed to preserving the cultural identity, especially the language and writing of the Khmer people," Ms. Tham emphasized.
Although he did not come from a formal training school, with the desire to impart knowledge and help students learn the language and voice of the nation, Mr. Danh Nghe has devoted himself to teaching with the knowledge he has learned.
"I feel very happy to help preserve, maintain and develop the language and writing of the Khmer people, and promote the cultural identity of my people," Mr. Nghe also shared.
