Local people study at a Thai language class in Than Uyen district. (Photo: Khac Kien/ VOV)

At a vocational training center in Than Uyen district, 30 students of different ages are taking Thai language lessons twice a day.

“My parents and siblings can speak Thai but can’t write it. Through this class, I hope to learn to write Thai, so I can teach my children," student Dieu Thi Ngan said.

Meritorious artisan Lo Van Soi of Than Uyen district, comes every day to teach Thai to his students. “You must know how to write your language. I’m very concerned that our script might disappear, so I want to pass it on to the younger generations. I’ve written more than 30 books to preserve and pass down the written language to future generations,” said Soi.

Kho Mu women attend a traditional costume making class. (Photo: Khac Kien/ VOV)

A class at the cultural house in Mè village, Than Uyen district, on how to make traditional Kho Mu costumes has 30 female students of all ages, including Phong Thi Dung. “After taking this class, we’ll be able to make traditional Kho Mu clothing. I hope future generations will continue to preserve our cultural values,” said Dung.

Quang Van Truong, Vice Chairman of Ta Hua commune’s People’s Committee in Than Uyen district, said that the traditional costumes of the Kho Mu are no longer worn, and the younger generation doesn’t know how to make them. “So we asked the Than Uyen district People’s Committee to open a class. We hope this class will teach the students the basic techniques for making traditional Kho Mu clothing.”

Since 2021 Than Uyen district has opened dozens of classes to teach local ethnic communities how to combine their traditional culture with tourism activities. These classes have increased people’s awareness of the importance of preserving their cultural identity.

"To preserve the valuable traditions of our ethnic groups, we hope to continue receiving guidance and support from the authorities at all levels. It’s important that policies enable people to participate in cultural education programs. We hope the people of Than Uyen district will continue working together to preserve and promote their culture," Luong Thi Ty, head of Than Uyen district’s Department of Culture and Information, said.

Than Uyen district has established a brocade weaving cooperative in Muong Cang commune, has organized public music groups in villages and neighborhoods, and has set up culture and folk art preservation clubs to preserve and promote the cultural values of local ethnic groups.