Lighting up ethnic minority culture in schools in Ky Son

Ky Sonis a land rich in cultural traditions with the coexistence of many ethnic minorities such as Thai, Kho Mu, Mong... Each ethnic group is a unique color in the multi-colored cultural picture. Preserving and promoting that identity is an important part of educating the younger generation. To realize this, Ky Son Secondary Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities has pioneered the establishment of the Ethnic Arts Club - a place to nurture the love of folk culture for students.

Ky Son Secondary Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities has 420 students from 5 different ethnic minorities.

Ms. Le Na - Vice Principal of the school said: "The school is always concerned about how to incorporate folk culture into the educational program. This is what prompted us to establish an art club with a strong national cultural identity."

After many efforts and mobilization from socialized resources, Ky Son Secondary Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities has been equipped with traditional musical instruments including lutes, flutes and many other ethnic musical instruments.

Currently, 87 talented students of the Ethnic Arts Club of Ky Son Secondary Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities still maintain a regular art activity session every week.

In the music group, students not only learn familiar folk melodies of their ethnic group, but also experience the graceful dances of the Mong people, the charm of Thai dances, or the unique sounds of Kho Mu folk songs. In particular, the school also invites folk artists to teach, helping students understand more deeply the origin and soul of each melody.

In the art group, students have the opportunity to recreate the poetic and majestic scenery of the highlands. Paintings of Muong Long peach blossoms blooming in the spring sky, the bustling Nam Can border market, or the beloved school nestled at the foot of the mountain of the students... have spread the love of nature to the community through social networking platforms.

Although the Ethnic Arts Club of Ky Son Secondary School for Ethnic Minorities has brought about effectiveness in preserving and promoting the national cultural identity for students, according to Mr. Hoang Van Son - Deputy Head of the Education Department of Ky Son District, to replicate this model to other schools in the area still faces many difficulties. “The biggest difficulty is the limited facilities. Finding artisans with deep knowledge of ethnic cultures to teach is not easy. Besides, the team of teachers with expertise in art is still small, not enough to regularly organize high-quality activities. Another challenge is how to maintain the appeal, avoid falling into a rut, boredom for students" - Mr. Hoang Van Son pondered.

Despite many difficulties, the Education Department of Ky Son District still believes in replicating this model. In the coming time, the Education Department will continue to seek support sources to upgrade facilities, while encouraging other schools to establish their own art clubs. In addition, cultural exchange programs between schools will also be organized to expand creative spaces, helping students have the opportunity to learn from each other and access more traditional art forms.