Children School Mokokchung, which began as a small tutorial class in 1975 at the residence of Mrs Atsungla, celebrated its Golden Jubilee on Tuesday, December 10, at Aongza Ki, Mokokchung.
Mrs Atsungla had initially started the tutorial class for neighbourhood children, and by its third year, she advised parents to formally enrol their wards.
According to Takuyaba, Founding Member and former Chairman of Children School, 35 parents soon came together to financially support and manage the class, eventually naming it Children School.
Takuyaba recalled that by 2005, the school’s growing responsibilities, including financial burdens, class upgradation, and the need for more teachers, became difficult for the parent group to sustain.
As the school expanded, a pre-condition was set that each class should have at least 25 students. However, when enrolment fluctuated, only six parents continued supporting the institution. These six later came to be recognised as the founding members of Children School.
The group decided to put the school up for sale, and in 2006 it was purchased by S Maken. His son, Lanuwati, continues as the sole proprietor of the school today.
The Jubilee speaker, Tongpok Pongener, Advocate, Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, spoke on the theme “Thriving with Wisdom.” Pongener briefly served as a headmaster of Children School in the past, and in his address, he recalled those days with fondness. He praised the founding members for their discernment and for “taking the right decisions at the right time,” which he described as true wisdom. He said it was this wisdom that allowed the parents to come together and establish a school that continues to serve the community.
Alumni Aren Changkiri and Aochina Jamir shared their recollections of school life on behalf of past students.
Short speeches were also delivered by representatives of AKM, ANPSA Mokokchung Unit, DEO Mokokchung, and Aongza Ward Yimden.
