Several clubs have been established since the start of 2026, bringing students and youth union members together to learn from teachers, older pupils and local artisans.
The latest, launched by the Ia Krái Commune Youth Union in September, has 30 members.
The initiatives build on established school programmes where gong playing and xoang dancing have become part of student life.
At Đak Đoa Ethnic Minority Boarding Lower Secondary School in Đak Đoa commune, students dressed in traditional clothing perform in the courtyard during the break after the second lesson every Monday and Thursday morning.
The school’s Gong and Xoang Dance Club has operated regularly since 2020 and now has 21 members.
Its leader, Rơ Mah H’ Glan, who also heads the school’s Young Pioneers activities, said club sessions take place twice a month, in the second and fourth weeks.
Principal Trần Thị Thu Thủy said the school’s 144 students are mainly Bahnar, alongside pupils from the Jrai, Mường, Tày, Nùng, Thái and other ethnic groups.
She said the activities help Bahnar and Jrai students understand and preserve their heritage while allowing classmates from other communities to experience those traditions.
Đinh Ngọc Châu, a ninth-grade student who has spent nearly four years in the club, now helps younger pupils learn.
Châu said practising at school had deepened an understanding of the gong music heard in the village since childhood and provided a chance to relax after lessons.
For eighth-grader Lương Duy Khánh, who is Tày, the club offers a first opportunity to play gongs. Taught by older students, Khánh hopes to learn more about the gong culture of the Central Highlands.
At Vĩnh Thạnh Ethnic Minority Boarding Lower and Upper Secondary School in Vĩnh Thạnh commune, a similar club has been running since 2018.
Club leader Đinh Văn Toàn said its 24 members practise every Thursday afternoon and perform at events and cultural exchanges. The school also holds a weekly extracurricular session so all students can experience gong culture.
Eighth-grader Đinh Thị KMy said participation had strengthened pride in Bahnar traditions and awareness of the need to preserve them. Regular practice and performances had also helped build confidence in front of an audience.
Beyond schools, youth organisations are connecting young people with elders who can pass on their knowledge.
Siu Lu, from Doch Kuế hamlet in Ia Krái commune, said village elders were willing to teach and encourage their children and grandchildren to join the new youth gong club. He welcomed the enthusiasm young members had shown during practice.
Rơ Lan Khoa, born in 2010 and also from Doch Kuế, previously encountered gong music mainly at local festivals and events. Joining the club has provided hands-on practice and the opportunity to learn pieces that have deepened pride in the community’s culture.
Rơ Châm Byich, vice chairwoman of the commune’s Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee and secretary of its Youth Union, said the club receives support to practise at least twice a month at the commune’s Cultural and Sports Centre.
The Youth Union plans to continue working with local artisans to teach music closely connected to community life.
Other initiatives launched this year include the 21-member Great Forest Melodies Gong Club in Krái village, established by the Chư Păh Commune Youth Union at the end of March.
The Ia Dreh Commune Youth Union and Ngô Quyền Lower Secondary School have also formed a club attracting 30 students.
At the end of July, the Bình Hiệp Commune Youth Union launched a club in M6 village to preserve and promote Bahnar gong traditions, with 13 youth union members taking part.