Sentikala Lemtur Kevi, co-founder of Papa Foundation.
Morung Express news
Dimapur | April 9
In a story of hope, a family in Dimapur district has shared how the Papa Foundation has transformed their lives. The mother of the first student supported by the foundation recounted how her husband, bedridden due to chemotherapy, found renewed strength upon learning that their daughter’s education would be supported.
“My husband was unable to get down from bed due to his chemo therapy sessions but the moment I told him that Papa Foundation has come forward to support our daughter for her further studies, his face lit up with hope and positivity, came down from bed, praised the One above and started walking,” the mother said.
Papa Foundation is a charitable organisation dedicated to supporting children and students in need. The foundation extends its help to children who have lost their fathers, those with absent fathers or those whose fathers are unable to support them due to various circumstances.
The foundation officially launched its office in Kohima on August 12, 2023. Till day, the foundation has taken 40 students under its care. The foundation’s vision is to thrive sustainably, supporting generations of students in need. Their strategy involves building personal connections with students and their families, respecting their privacy and ensuring transparency with donors. They also provide regular updates and maintain accountability through timely communication.
The foundation’s mission is to support the educational and psychological needs of students from economically challenged backgrounds, helping them achieve their fullest potential. Like a “devoted father,” Papa Foundation commits to supporting a child’s education, nurturing them to become contributing members of their family and community.
“We aim to be the salt and light in their lives, inspiring them to love their families, communities, and fellow humans regardless of race, language, or religion. Above all, we encourage them to love their Creator, embrace their talents, and use them for the benefit of mankind,” shared Sentikala Lemtur Kevi, co-founder of the Papa Foundation.
Sentikala Lemtur Kevi, an educator, shared her insights on education and the challenges faced in Nagaland. “I have always loved children. That love inspired me to choose this path,” she said.
Sentikala emphasised the importance of thorough preparation, impartiality and leading by example. “An educator must study and research well to impart accurate information. They must treat all students equally, be approachable yet respectable, and leave personal issues at home. Above all, they must live an exemplary life,” she added.
Reflecting on challenges faced by educators in Nagaland, Sentikala highlighted two major concerns: a shortage of teachers and low salaries in the private sector. “Many educators teach 5-6 periods daily and struggle to find time for assessments due to proxy duties,” she explained.
Additionally, private school teachers are often underpaid, earning barely enough to survive. “With the amount of time and energy they put in and the contribution they give in running the school, I think the educators in the private sector are underpaid. They pay them barely enough to commute and survive. Sadly, we all know of very handful schools that pay well,” Sentikala added.
Sharing her thoughts on the education system in Nagaland, she said, “There are still countless rooms for change,” and called for systemic changes to address these issues.
“Education is a key ingredient in making a good society. By being educated does not mean just being able to read, write and get a job. It means to grow in every aspect of one’s life especially morally to bring about a morally strong society,” she articulated.
