Spreading love for national culture among the younger generation

The integration of national and local culture into schools has been given significant attention by the education and training sector of Dong Nai province in recent years. This has become even more essential since the province was newly formed through the merger of two provinces, former Dong Nai and former Binh Phuoc, both known for their rich and diverse cultural traditions. This integration is not merely about imparting knowledge, but also about nurturing and spreading the love for the homeland and the awareness of preserving cultural identity among the younger generation.

In recent years, many schools across Dong Nai have effectively incorporated national and local culture into their curricula. For example, schools have collaborated with Dong Nai Arts Theatre to introduce cai luong (reformed opera) into art education, offering students opportunities to experience traditional cultural values while nurturing a love for national art forms.

Additionally, the province has invested in the production of 50 sets of lithophones, which have been distributed to schools, agencies, and local communities. Training courses, contests, and festivals have been organised, turning the lithophone into a “bridge” between past and present. Schools have also taken students on field trips to historical sites and museums, enriching their understanding of cultural heritage.

Following the provincial merger, Dong Nai’s cultural space has expanded significantly. Bringing culture into schools not only allows students to learn about the differences and diversity in traditions but also helps them to appreciate cultural richness, strengthen community spirit, and enhance their sense of civic responsibility in preserving Vietnam’s cultural identity. This mission is especially vital at a time of rapid socio-economic development, when the risk of cultural dilution and unselective adoption of foreign lifestyles remains ever-present.

The Party and the State have always placed great importance on building and developing culture and the people. The guiding principle is that every school must become a genuine cultural and educational centre, where students are trained in ideals, qualities, character, and lifestyle, and where cultural traditions are passed on to younger generations.

To integrate culture into schools more effectively, Dong Nai needs to continue strengthening coordination among the education sector, the cultural sector, and local organisations to research and introduce suitable cultural education content, programs, and topics into the school system. Schools are encouraged to enrich practical experiences through visits to historical sites, museums, and craft villages, as well as to invite artisans and village elders to share their skills and traditional stories. At the same time, greater use of technology in cultural education will make learning more engaging and aligned with modern trends.

Creating a cultural environment in schools is an essential part of comprehensive educational reform. Incorporating culture into the school setting contributes to shaping personality and nurturing well-rounded young generations equipped with knowledge, ethics, lifestyle, aesthetic appreciation, and cultural behaviour – providing them with the resilience needed to integrate into the wider world.

By Thu Ngoc - Translated by Thuc Oanh, Thu Ha