On May 20, 2025, at the Cao Bang Provincial Central Cultural House, the semi-final round of the competition "Preserving the Tay and Nung ethnic languages ​​for junior high and high school students in the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark" was held with the participation of 12 teams.

Delegates attending the semi-finals of the competition.

The competition "Preserving the Tay and Nung ethnic languages ​​for junior and senior high school students in the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark" was launched at the end of March 2025. Participants were members of the "Exploring the Geopark with Me" club from junior and senior high schools in Cao Bang city and the districts of Quang Hoa, Trung Khanh, Ha Lang, Hoa An, Ha Quang, Nguyen Binh, and Thach An (schools located within the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark).

Ms. Nong Thi Tuyen, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, delivered the opening remarks for the semi-final round of the competition.

The Organizing Committee received 57 entries in the preliminary round, including 35 from junior high schools and 22 from high schools. The entries were of high quality and scientific merit; their presentation was lively and engaging, creating a positive ripple effect in the community and schools.

Representatives from the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Department of Education and Training presented commemorative gifts and certificates to the participating schools.

In the semi-final round, contestants competed in two main sections: "Excellent Propagandist" and talent.

In the "Excellent Propagandist" section: Each team presented the results of implementing ethnic language preservation activities in schools through the "Exploring the Cultural Heritage with Me" club model in the Tay or Nung ethnic language within a maximum of 6 minutes. The performances were diverse and creative, combining live presentations on stage with illustrative products such as information panels, wall newspapers, drawings, and skits.

In the talent section: Teams showcased their talents in the Tay or Nung language, with a maximum time of 8 minutes per team. The performances were diverse in form, including: composing and presenting poetry, folk songs, and writing new lyrics for traditional folk songs; painting and creating wall newspapers; performing skits and short plays; giving tourism presentations, and delivering speeches in ethnic languages.

The talent competition of Cao Binh High School, Cao Bang City.

The performances were presented in the Tay and Nung languages ​​in a flexible and lively manner, reflecting the creativity, national pride, and deep understanding of traditional culture of the students, contributing to spreading awareness of preserving and promoting the local language among the younger generation.

At the end of the semi-final round, the Organizing Committee selected 8 outstanding teams to advance to the final round, including 4 teams from junior high schools: Minh Thanh Junior High School (Nguyen Binh); Na Giang Junior High School (Ha Quang); Noi Thon Junior High School (Ha Quang); Dong Khe Junior High School (Thach An); and 4 teams from high schools: Cao Binh High School (Cao Bang City); Thach An High School (Thach An); Provincial Ethnic Boarding High School (Cao Bang City); and Dam Quang Trung High School (Ha Quang).

The final round is expected to be held on May 29, 2025, at Khuoi Ky stone village, Trung Khanh district. Specifically, the talent performances of the finalist teams will be posted on the official fanpage of the Cao Bang Geopark (https://www.facebook.com/CongviendiachatNonnuocCaoBang) for voting in the "Most Popular Performance" special award.

The competition has promoted the learning and use of ethnic minority languages ​​such as Tay and Nung, thereby contributing to preventing the risk of ethnic minority languages ​​disappearing. At the same time, it has raised awareness and a sense of responsibility among students and people of Cao Bang regarding the preservation and promotion of the value of ethnic cultural heritage; introduced the unique beauty and heritage sites of the Cao Bang Geopark in the native languages, contributing to the promotion of the image of Cao Bang, promoting community tourism, and developing the economy based on local cultural characteristics.