Most Venerable Ly Minh Duc, the abbot of Botum Vong Sa Som Rong Pagoda (Soc Trang city) and Deputy Head of the Solidarity Association of Patriotic Buddhist Monks in Soc Trang province, said, "Over the past 5 years, the association has created conditions for pagodas in the province to organize Khmer language writing classes for people during summer breaks. Additionally, the pagodas have successfully carried out social work, mobilizing Buddhist followers to donate thousands of square meters of land for building of schools, construction of rural roads, assistance for disadvantaged families, support for charitable classrooms and scholarship funds, building of bridges and rural roads, at a total of VND 44.7 billion, and distributing over 200 tons of rice and more than 400 bicycles to underprivileged children who are eager to learn."
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Such a Khmer language class is held every summer. |
Venerable Lieu Huyen, the abbot of Bung Kok Pagoda (Phu My commune, My Tu district, Soc Trang province), who is highly respected by people and trusted by the local authorities, has been actively encouraging Buddhist followers to live well and collaborate with the local government in building new-style rural areas. Recently, Venerable Lieu Huyen and the pagoda's management board mobilized the followers to contribute over VND 200 million to install a solar-powered lighting system along a 2-kilometer road section from Phu My commune to Thuan Hung commune (My Tu district). With the help of the pagoda, 75 concrete pillars and 75 solar-powered lamps were installed, ensuring safe nighttime travel for the local residents. Venerable Lieu Huyen stated, "As soon as the pagoda made the appeal, the Buddhist followers responded, each contributing a small amount. Within about half a month, the pagoda raised enough fund, and in coordination with the local government, built the lighting system for local people. The residents are very happy now that the lighting system is operational."
Venerable Thach Huol, the abbot of Prey Chop Pagoda (Lai Hoa commune, Vinh Chau townlet), donated over 1.6 hectares of land for the construction of a school with the aim of providing better educational facilities and conditions, especially for Khmer children in remote areas of Lai Hoa commune. On this land, a preschool, a primary school, and a secondary school will be built. The completion and operation of these schools will undoubtedly bring great joy to local students, authorities, and residents. Venerable Thach Huol shared, "I feel very happy whenever I can make a contribution to the society, especially in the field of education because without knowledge human beings cannot develop and progress. Currently, the life of Buddhist followers are gradually improving, so education and learning are crucial."
Recently, a nearly 2-kilometer section of road from Pray Chop market to Xung Thum Pagoda (Lai Hoa commune) experienced erosion and subsidence in several places. Venerable Thach Huol mobilized more than 30 individuals, including monks and workers, to repair the road, with additional support from local residents in providing materials. After the completion of the road, it facilitated trade and transportation of local people, especially students no longer experiencing falls while going to school.
Mr. Duong Sa Kha, Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Soc Trang province and Head of the Provincial Party Committee's Mass Mobilization Board, commented, "The Buddhist monks in Soc Trang are individuals with a special and important position in the life of the Khmer people, who are highly respected by the community. In particular, they have made significant contribution in disseminating the Party's policies and guidelines, instilling trust in the leadership of the Party and the State, continuously consolidating and building a strong and cohesive association, gathering venerable monks and Khmer Buddhist followers to jointly contribute to the construction and enrichment of the beautiful homeland of Soc Trang."
Translated by Trung Thanh