Art troupes and cultural houses in HCM City are offering summercourses in traditional Vietnamese music and theatre in an attempt tolure children away from online games and films on their Ipads andsmart-phones.
"We believe music and theatre are an intrinsicpart of the human spirit, and children cannot grow without knowledge ofand love for the arts," said comedian and theatre director Hong Van,owner of the Hong Van Drama Troupe and Phu Nhuan Drama Troupe, two ofthe city's leading private troupes.
The Hong Van Drama Troupeoffers drama training courses twice a week for children aged betweenseven and 13. The courses are taught by skilled actors such as Huu Chau,Minh Nhi, Quoc Thao, Cong Ninh and People's Artist Hong Van.
TranLe, Director of the HCM City Cultural House for Children's DramaTroupe, said: "We hope children will be able to learn about the world,people and culture instead of just staying at home watching televisionand playing video games."
Le's troupe provides children andteenagers with performance courses every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.The fees are about 1 million VND (50 USD) a month. Children from poorfamilies receive training for free.
The courses provide basic training in music, dance, puppetry and circus skills.
Lesaid creating courses for children was difficult. "One reason is thatwe do not have enough money, while a quality programme should have manythings like beautiful costumes," he said.
"However, we're triedour best to find suitable ways to pitch special courses offering bothentertainment and education," he added.
Summer programmesoffered by the HCM City General Science Library are also a good choicefor children who love painting, cooking and chess.
Theseprogrammes, which are free and will close in early August, include manychildren from the rural districts of Cu Chi, Nha Be, Thu Duc, Can Gioand Hoc Mon.
Artist Hoang Ly Bach Tuyet, who runs a paintingcourse for children aged between 4 and 15 years old at her home inDistrict 3, said: "My course attracts around 80 students who love andneed art. Some parents are not wealthy, but they still save money tosend their kids to me."
Dr Do Hong Ngoc, of the HCM City Centreof Communication, Education and Health, said that many city kids wereburying themselves in textbooks and homework during the longest holidayafter the school year.
They have to take extra courses in mathematics, computer and English, under their parents' guidance.
"Educationauthorities must take the lead to encourage parents to give childrenmore free time to enjoy their summer. Please cut back on their studyload and hours, and tell our children to relax and do their favouritethings," he said.-VNA
"We believe music and theatre are an intrinsicpart of the human spirit, and children cannot grow without knowledge ofand love for the arts," said comedian and theatre director Hong Van,owner of the Hong Van Drama Troupe and Phu Nhuan Drama Troupe, two ofthe city's leading private troupes.
The Hong Van Drama Troupeoffers drama training courses twice a week for children aged betweenseven and 13. The courses are taught by skilled actors such as Huu Chau,Minh Nhi, Quoc Thao, Cong Ninh and People's Artist Hong Van.
TranLe, Director of the HCM City Cultural House for Children's DramaTroupe, said: "We hope children will be able to learn about the world,people and culture instead of just staying at home watching televisionand playing video games."
Le's troupe provides children andteenagers with performance courses every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.The fees are about 1 million VND (50 USD) a month. Children from poorfamilies receive training for free.
The courses provide basic training in music, dance, puppetry and circus skills.
Lesaid creating courses for children was difficult. "One reason is thatwe do not have enough money, while a quality programme should have manythings like beautiful costumes," he said.
"However, we're triedour best to find suitable ways to pitch special courses offering bothentertainment and education," he added.
Summer programmesoffered by the HCM City General Science Library are also a good choicefor children who love painting, cooking and chess.
Theseprogrammes, which are free and will close in early August, include manychildren from the rural districts of Cu Chi, Nha Be, Thu Duc, Can Gioand Hoc Mon.
Artist Hoang Ly Bach Tuyet, who runs a paintingcourse for children aged between 4 and 15 years old at her home inDistrict 3, said: "My course attracts around 80 students who love andneed art. Some parents are not wealthy, but they still save money tosend their kids to me."
Dr Do Hong Ngoc, of the HCM City Centreof Communication, Education and Health, said that many city kids wereburying themselves in textbooks and homework during the longest holidayafter the school year.
They have to take extra courses in mathematics, computer and English, under their parents' guidance.
"Educationauthorities must take the lead to encourage parents to give childrenmore free time to enjoy their summer. Please cut back on their studyload and hours, and tell our children to relax and do their favouritethings," he said.-VNA
