"Ethnic language teachers who are working in government schools in Sumprabum Township in Kachin State’s Putao District say they have not received a salary since the start of the school year in June. “As of today, we haven’t received a salary since school started. I teach at school everyday. I have taught at school since it began in June,” high school Jinghpaw language instructor Zau Nan told NMG. Sumprabum town, where Zau Nan works, has one high school and nearly 10 primary and middle schools. There are reportedly 10 ethnic language teachers working in the town’s government schools, teaching Jinghpaw and Lisu languages since 2016. “Even though the government has given a promise, we have yet to receive our salaries. Even though we haven’t received our salaries, we are still teaching children in school,” Zau Nan explained. “If I don’t teach, I am so worried that our Kachin children will not be able to read our language. But if I wasn’t a teacher, I could afford to support my family. Now I cannot afford to support my family. Now I am working at another job after school hours because I need to support my children and my family.” According to ethnic literature and culture organizations, while the government has given permission for them to teach their languages in public schools, proper government assistance and compensation has not been provided..."