Sapa Mall, spanning over 40 hectares, is famously known as a “mini Vietnam” in Europe. More than just a bustling business hub, it serves as the cultural center for the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic. With over 1,000 stalls, the mall caters to the needs of around 10,000 Vietnamese people, offering retail services, cuisine, insurance, settlement advice, and office spaces. Traditional dishes like pho, bun cha, and banh cuon, along with fresh home-style produce, are major draws.
The Sapa Vietnamese Language Center: Preserving Language and Culture
Sapa Mall also houses the Sapa Vietnamese Language Center, which has been operating for 22 years, helping thousands of children born and raised in the Czech Republic learn to read, write, and speak Vietnamese fluently. The curriculum is based on Vietnamese Ministry of Education textbooks or teacher-prepared materials. Currently, the center runs four weekend classes catering to various proficiency levels. Additionally, it offers Vietnamese language courses for foreigners and Vietnamese children with disabilities.
However, learning Vietnamese remains challenging due to students’ concurrent studies in Czech schools. This requires support from families and community organizations. The center hopes for greater attention and support from the Party and State to maintain and develop the teaching and learning of Vietnamese abroad.
Recommendations for Enhancing Vietnamese Education Abroad
During his visit, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính proposed several solutions to improve the effectiveness of Vietnamese language teaching. He emphasized that Vietnamese is not only a communication tool but also a bridge between generations, preserving cultural and historical values. The Prime Minister suggested incorporating cultural, historical, folk poetry, and folk songs into the curriculum to engage students more.
Specifically, he recommended establishing an online Vietnamese language teaching platform with fixed schedules, allowing students to study conveniently from home. Offering classes at various times would also increase access for more children, especially in areas where setting up Vietnamese language centers is impractical.
Promoting Business and Cultural Development of the Vietnamese Community
Later, the Prime Minister visited Tamda Supermarket, a Vietnamese-owned business in the Czech Republic. The Tamda Group specializes in food and real estate, operating supermarket chains in three major cities in the Czech Republic. The Prime Minister commended the company’s growth and encouraged expanding its model to other cities in the Czech Republic and Europe. He also urged building a high-quality, attractive, and competitive Vietnamese brand.
The Prime Minister also praised Tamda Media, a Vietnamese-language channel, and requested cooperation with domestic agencies to provide valuable information to the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic and Europe.
Conclusion
Sapa Mall is not just an economic symbol but also a cultural and educational hub for the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic. Efforts to preserve and develop the Vietnamese language, combined with business growth, have reinforced the presence of the Vietnamese community abroad. With continued support from the Party, State, and community, Sapa Mall will remain a strong foundation for Vietnamese youth overseas.
