Y Mhono, recipient of Kiphire District Teachers Award 2022, said the certificate on her wall will motivate her to keep going despite the many disappointments. Y Mhono has been a teacher at Government High School, Yangphi, Kiphire, for over 13 years.

The graduate teacher recollected the challenges she faced in the initial years of her career. She said that language was the biggest barrier but gradually she and her students overcame the hurdle. She added that she encouraged her students to communicate in English and that was how she created a supportive space where her students could feel comfortable.

Y Mhono stated that most of the students were from economically backward families and that some children were working to support their families. In such a situation, she had to come up with ways to influence the students as well as their parents. She added that she had to build trusting relationships with her students as well as their parents.

Speaking to Nagaland Tribune, the award recipient said that lack of resources in the school discourages both teachers and students, but she believes in the ethics of dedication and hard work.

Y Mhono said that a teacher is no less than a missionary and urged other teachers to be honest, serious and passionate about their jobs. She also pledged that she would continue to teach her students to believe in themselves and their future.