On March 26, Ms. Huang Qiaoyuan gave a special labor class to the Grade-5 pupils at the Siyuan Experimental School in Jiangyong County, Yongzhou City. During the class, she explained the characteristics and history of palm fiber weaving craft as an intangible cultural heritage (ICH) item, and instructed the students in creating palm-fiber locusts with their own hands.

This class was a part of the "Promote ICH in Campuses" campaign launched in the county.

Labor education has been included in China's middle and primary school courses since September 2022. In recent years, Jiangyong County has launched the "Promote ICH in Campuses" campaign, setting up labor classes with local characteristics in middle and primary schools. The campaign aims to guide the students to learn about and carry forward ICH, consolidate their awareness about ICH protection and inheritance, and enhance their senses of participation, identity, and pride for the fine traditional Chinese culture.

Under the instruction of the teacher, the students tried their hands at using palm fibers and scissors to make vivid locusts in different shapes.

"I experienced ICH culture in the labor class. It is so fun. I want to learn more palm fiber weaving and make more works as gifts to my friends," said Chen Shihan, a student of the class.

"It is amazing that we can weave various animals without glue!" said another student Ouyang Kangrui.

In addition to palm weaving craft, Jiangyong County has promoted a number of fine ICH items in primary and middle schools, such as Nvshu or women's writing, dragon dance of Yao ethnic group, Nuo opera, and long-drum dance. This helped inspire the students' enthusiasm for and mastery of ICH, and promote inheritance of ICH culture in campuses.

This article is from the Hunan Provincial Government www.enghunan.gov.cn.

Translator: Pang Yuehui

Chinese source: hunantoday