The new academic year 2013-204 is approaching. Khanh Vinh Education sector has focused on a language-teaching program for minority pupils aged 6...
The new academic year 2013-204 is approaching. Khanh Vinh Education sector has focused on a language-teaching program for minority pupils aged 6 to help them get well-prepared for a new school year.
Khanh Nam Commune Primary School has 195 pupils, 90% of which are ethnic minority people.
Since early June, the school has opened 2 Vietnamese language classes for ethnic minority children aged 6. They can learn Vietnamese pronunciation, writing, and reading as well as join classroom activities.
To attract participants, the school in association with local authorities has met and encouraged parents of 6-year-olds to take their children to school.
In addition, lessons are made interesting to keep children constructively engaged in developmentally appropriate activities and find a classroom an engaging and comfortable place.
However, some challenges and obstacles have remained.
Nguyen Thi Luoc, a teacher of Khanh Nam Primary School says, “Vietnamese language classes open before the start of a new school year, but many families are in the habit of bringing their children with them to fields to work. Besides, many minority children are so timid at school."
There used to be teaching assistants who were ethnic minority people. They were considered as a “communication link” between teachers and local pupils. Unfortunately, there are no longer such teaching assistants due to the lack of funds.
Nguyen Trong Sy, Principal of Lien Sang Primary School says, to increase primary education equality, especially for ethnic minority children, it is essential to provide more training for teachers and hold more exchange activities among primary schools, so that children can have opportunities to meet new friends and have more access to Vietnamese language communication skills.
In addition, Raglai language courses for teachers are also required to help minority children to be more confident and active in class, making their first time at primary schools an enjoyable experience.
N.T
