Articles
CEDOK extends relief to Mon Town
Opinion | Articles | Benjamin Chang | 20-Aug-2026
Natural disasters and tragic accidents leave an indelible mark on communities, often stripping away the very foundations of daily life; homes, security, and loved ones. In the wake of such adversity in the Mon district, the Commission for Education Diocese of Kohima (CEDOK) stepped forward with a profound mission of compassion, resilience, and community support. By disbursing ₹8,50,000 to the families of 103 students whose homes were completely destroyed or severely damaged, alongside offering vital assistance to families who suffered the unimaginable loss of life.
At the heart of this relief initiative is a remarkable story of solidarity demonstrated by numerous Catholic schools across Nagaland. When Rev. Fr. Dr. Jacob Charalel, the Secretary of CEDOK, appealed for the relief mission, many people, especially the students, parents , teachers and the management of Catholic Schools wholeheartedly and willingly came forward to respond with overwhelming generosity. This mobilization of resources highlights a deep-seated culture of care within the educational community, proving that schools are not merely centers of academic learning, but incubators of civic responsibility and human compassion. Catholic schools ensured that vulnerable students and their families were not left to face their darkest hours alone. True to their core mission, the Catholic schools instill values of solidarity, love, prayer, and mutual support, serving all people without discrimination based on tribe, race, culture, or religious denomination.
A relief effort of this kind relies heavily on coordination, trust, and local partnership. CEDOK’s success in Mon was deeply amplified by the active presence, support, and collaboration of key administrative and civil society bodies. The organization extended its sincere gratitude to Shri. Wennyei Konyak, Deputy Commissioner (DC), Shri. Imlong Chaba Chang EAC and the District Administration of Mon, the Konyak Union (KU), the All Nagaland Private Schools Association (ANPSA) Mon unit, and the Konyak Students' Union (KSU). Their collective involvement ensured that the relief work smooth and reached those who needed it most efficiently and respectfully.
On the first day, 19th August, the team of CEDOK, visited the homes and prayed for all the families who have lost their family members during the 19th July landslide at Mon. On the next day, the first session was organised at Don Bosco Hr. Sec. School and the second session was held at St. John Hr. Sc. School, where all the affected students nearby schools were given a relief of Rs. 15000 to families and Rs. 9000 to individual affected students. Speaking on the occasion the Deputy Commissioner of Mon spoke about the safety warnings and preparedness measures implemented by disaster management to protect against natural calamities. Emphasizing that the region is prone to natural disasters, the Deputy Commissioner urged everyone to remain cautious and vigilant at all times. He also thanked the Catholic Church for always responding positively in times of social needs. The Secretary of Konyak Union, Mr. Yongwan Konyak and L. Yajao Konyak, the President of ANPSA also appreciated the work of CEDOK.
Special appreciation was also extended to Rev. Fr. Lawrence Elow, SDB, Principal of Don Bosco School, Mon, and Sir. Pangnyei Konyak for their gracious hospitality, hands-on assistance, and active participation in the relief work. The CEDOK Team also thank all the Catholic Schools for the generous and selfless contributions. Rev. Fr. Benjamin Chang, the Secretary of Diocesan Fraternity & Parish Priest of St. Mary's Church, Lakhuti and Rev. Fr. Victor Odyuo, the Principal of Holy Cross Hr. Sec. School, Dimapur was part of the visiting CEDOK Team.
Ultimately, the CEDOK relief service at Mon stands as a shining example of how community institutions can unite in times of crisis. Beyond the financial relief provided, the mission offered a message of enduring hope, reminding the affected families that their community stands firmly with them