Vocational training linked to traditional culture

In order to create livelihoods linked to local culture, Khanh Son District Youth Union has provided vocational training of traditional occupations such as making Chapi musical instruments, weaving baskets, making crossbows and establishing clubs to preserve and promote traditional handicrafts.

Khanh Son District has about 4,490 young people, including 3,652 ethnic minority people. Khanh Son District Youth Union has paid attention to vocational training, focusing on creating livelihoods linked to preserving local cultural identities, especially among Raglai ethnic youth.

According to Mau Thi Mong Mo, Secretary of Khanh Son District Youth Union, last March, the District Youth Union established a traditional knitting club with 15 members. The club aims to create opportunities for young people to meet, learn and exchange traditional craft experience, helping to create livelihoods for themselves.

Through club activities, young people have opportunities to show their skills and ideas to create more creative and aesthetic products to serve local events and festivities in the province.

The club is divided into 3 small groups, including weaving baskets, making Chapi musical instruments and making crossbows. The club members are mostly young farmers interested in preserving the Raglai people's traditional crafts. Before establishing the club, the district union had opened training classes and invited artisans to teach handicrafts to members.

Rattan weaving club members share handicraft experience.

Joining the club, Mau Thi Bich Thuy, 24, in Son Hiep Commune can make complete products by herself. "My main job is farming, however, I also want to get another traditional job, so I join the club. After learning basic baskets-making techniques, members are introduced to get orders to help improve our skills and income as well," said Mau Thi Bich Thuy.

Besides, the district Youth Union has provided a link for club members to get orders of making more than 50 Chapi musical instruments, 10 baskets and orders of making crossbows from customers inside and outside the province, including schools and tourists.

According to Khanh Son District Youth Union, initially, the Club activities have proved effective in attracting young people to get involved in vocational training and preserving traditional crafts. In the coming time, the unit will continue improving the members’ skills; promoting the club's activities to attract members and develop product marketableness, thereby, promoting the role of youth in preserving local cultural identities linked to creating work opportunities.

V.T

Translated by N.T