Class teaches Vietnamese to Khmer in An Giang

A class to teach Vietnamese language in Soc Tuc hamlet, Le Tri commune began 45 days ago and now has 20-25 students.

The makeshift class operates from Monday to Wednesday, but is sometimes extended until Saturday at the students’ request. Learners are of all ages, most of them women. The teachers are local soldiers and government employees.

Lieutenant-Colonel Tran Thai Hoa, deputy head of Team 31 of the An Giang Provincial Military Command, said the class is organized by his unit and the Soc Tuc hamlet authorities.

Agencies in Le Tri commune and Tri Ton district provide notebooks, boards and chalk for the class. During power outages, Team 31 provides generators to the class and covers the cost of generating power.

“There remain some difficulties, but we are very pleased to see the Khmer try to learn Vietnamese,” Lieutenant-Colonel Hoa said. Within a short time, many students could write and read simple words and sentences in Vietnamese, he said.

“Knowing that Soc Tuc are teaching Vietnamese free of charge, many Khmer in Sa Lon want to enjoy the same,” said Chau Kun, the head of Sa Lon hamlet, Luong Phi commune.

So a class was set up at Sa Lon pagoda with 30 learners. The teacher is Chau Nuone, who works without pay. Electricity for the class is provided by the pagoda.