Kanykey was born on January 2, 1979, in the village of Don-Aryk, located in the Chui district. In marriage with her husband, they raised four children: three sons and a daughter. "My daughter is already married, the eldest son is also married and lives separately. The second son is in the 10th grade, and the youngest is in the 7th. My husband and I met on March 8 when he was working as a taxi driver. I caught a taxi, and my future husband was behind the wheel. We got to know each other while he was driving me home from the market. We have many memories. Let me tell you a funny story. Since we got married, he has never called me by my name, but always refers to me as 'Zhan' [‘Dear’]. One day my 'abysyn' came to visit and loudly called me 'Zhan-Zhan'. We couldn't hold back our laughter. I told her, 'Oh, zhenе, my name is Kanykey.' To which she replied, 'Is 'Zhan' also a name?' Since then, my husband continues to call me that," Kanykey shares her memories.
Kanykey chose the profession of a teacher inspired by her class teacher. "My teacher Asira had a significant influence on me. Her care and guidance helped me understand that the teaching profession is an honorable job. There is a wise saying among Kyrgyz people: 'The language of a child is honey' [‘Bala tili bal’], 'The heart of a child is pure' [‘Bala zhuregu taza’]. I believe that imparting knowledge to the future generation is a great honor. This year marks 20 years since I started working in this field," she notes.
Kanykey studied in her native village of Don-Aryk, graduated from school in 1996, and enrolled in the correspondence department of the Kyrgyz National University the same year, which she completed in 2002. "I believe that a true teacher is not just a source of knowledge, but a second mother, a reliable mentor, and a friend who can listen and show the right path. For my achievements at work, I have received many awards. Last year, on Teacher's Day, I was awarded a Certificate of Honor from the Ministry of Education and Science. I want to express my immense gratitude to the director of Lenin Secondary School, Zoe Likhuzova, for her fair attitude and the value of honest work. I also want to thank the deputy director Cholpon Asanzhanovna for her inspiration and support. To achieve success, one must work hard. As the saying goes, 'Honest work brings sweet bread,' and hard work always bears fruit," she emphasizes.
Kanykey recalled one incident that left a deep impression on her memory. "The laughter of each of my students is my laughter, and their sadness is my sadness. Currently, I work in the primary Kyrgyz classes at the school named after V.I. Lenin. Our school is Russian-speaking, and the Kyrgyz classes opened only five years ago. At the moment, I am the class teacher of the fourth Kyrgyz class, where 12 students study. I always start the first lesson with a good mood and songs. Once, I was feeling unwell, but I still conducted the lesson. Suddenly, one of the students stood up and asked, 'Teacher, what's wrong with you? Are you not in the mood? Did you have a fight with your husband?' – and then I couldn't hold back my laughter," she recounts.
Every class she has worked with has been special for Kanykey. Teachers take pride in the successes of their students, as they are the future of our country, and it is our duty to provide them with a decent education and upbringing.
Every person should have a goal, without which life loses its meaning. My dream is for my students to be able to master professions in the future and contribute to the development of the country," she concludes.
Reading and reflecting on the aphorisms and teachings of famous Kyrgyz writers and akyns is her hobby," Kanykey adds.
Gallery: Teacher Iminova Kanykey Mukhanovna.
