 |
| Mr. Cung Trong Cuong, Director of Hue City Institute for Development Studies |
According to Mr. Cung Trong Cuong, to bring Hue Bookcase to students in the city, the Institute actively collaborates with the Department of Education and Training and the Department of Culture and Sports to promote reading culture in schools through book donations and introductions.
In 2024, the Institute for Development Studies coordinated with relevant units to organize seminars introducing the Hue Bookcase Project at Binh Dien High School (Huong Tra) and An Luong Dong High School (Phu Loc). The content introduced the Hue Bookcase and the role of young people in promoting its development, introduced some publications such as the “Hue - The Miraculous Capital”, and donated some more books. Thuan Hoa Publishing House and the General Library, two accompanying units, also donated books and provided information about the library so that students can access valuable books and read books in an open environment. The goal of Hue Bookcase is to spread Hue's culture and reading culture, one of the important foundations for enhancing knowledge among young people. They are also crucial individuals in promoting Hue Bookcase and Hue's reading culture in the future.
On the occasion of this year's Book and Reading Culture Day, the Institute collaborated with the Department of Education and Training to organize a seminar themed “Hue Bookcase and Reading culture with students of the Ancient Capital”, introducing successful models of reading culture ambassadors from across the country, as well as community models like the Hue Book and Culture Club... for schools to be able to make reference when organizing activities to promote reading culture among students.
So, have the implemented activities achieved the expectations? Are students interested in Hue Bookcase?
We have found that the best, fastest, and most effective way to reach people is through the education sector, in schools from elementary to high schools. Students are very enthusiastic when they learn about the Project to establish and develop Hue Bookcase and publications about Hue. Through these activities, we hope that middle and high school students will understand Hue Bookcase and have access to this document repository. From there, they can spread the value of Hue Bookcase as well as reading culture to their families and communities. This is a good and effective approach. However, due to limited resources, we have only implemented it in a few locations in a promotional way, and we sincerely hope for the cooperation of the Department of Education and Training and related units to create a wider impact.
 |
| Hue City Institute for Development Studies presented publications from Hue Bookcase to Binh Dien High School. Photo: The Institute for Development Studies |
Besides Hue Bookcase, there is a wealth of other knowledge from specialized bookcases and reference books, etc. Hue Bookcase is a part of this, encompassing Hue's culture, etiquette, and cultural history… In the coming time, as the number of publications in Hue Bookcase expands, many new books relevant to young people can be included because of their practical value.
When organizing promotional activities, Hue Bookcase serves as a core element. The Institute brings many other publications along with Hue Bookcase for students to access. Spreading reading culture through the ideas embodied in Hue Bookcase is crucial.
In your opinion, what needs to be done to create interest, arouse passion, and help students recognize the value of Hue Bookcase?
This is a very important matter. For young people to develop a passion for reading and to promote the future development of Hue Bookcase, in addition to the spreading efforts of the Hue Bookcase group, it is crucial that each school immediately promotes a reading culture, provides reading spaces, and organizes reading hours, as well as book-related competitions, etc. Another very important aspect is how to spread reading culture so that from libraries and schools to public places, everyone loves books and reads books.
Referring to Hue Bookcase might narrowly focus on specialized books, but we must think broadly about it as a foundation to promote reading culture and enhance knowledge through books. This is the desired direction of the Hue Bookcase Project. To achieve this, a process and well-planned steps are necessary. Of course, with the current rapid pace of development, the forms of reading must also change, and Hue Bookcase must adapt to this change as well.
Do you have any recommendations for spreading reading culture in schools?
We have not yet compiled the exact figures, but based on expert opinions or through several forums related to reading culture, the rate of reading in schools is not high. To promote reading culture in education, educational institutions are to implement measures through school channels, for example, building bookshelves in schools or having dedicated reading time. The Institute for Development Studies is promoting reading culture from families, communities, and book clubs, etc., thereby creating a widespread impact on everyone in general and students in particular. This requires time and must be continuous and proactive.
To spread reading culture in the school environment, in my opinion, every school has a library and can mobilize books, but the important thing is to have creative ways to attract students. Currently, many schools are doing this very well. If every school does well, the reading movement will spread.
Thank you, sir!