My School Satya Surabhi

Living and working up here in Kodaikanal is different from being down on the plains. My School Satya Surabhi is located in Attuvampatty, and some days the mist is so thick you can barely see across the yard. We have to keep things moving even when it’s cold and damp outside. The school is a simple place where the kids from around the hill come to spend their days. We don't have the big flashy facilities you might see in the cities, but we have plenty of fresh air and a quiet environment. The mornings start with everyone huddled in their sweaters until the sun finally breaks through. We focus a lot on the basics here. The teachers are mostly concerned with making sure the students can read well and handle their math. Because we’re in Attuvampatty, it’s a bit of a trek for some of the kids, but they make it here every day regardless of the weather. The classrooms are basic, with wooden benches and plenty of books that have been read many times over. We try to keep the atmosphere calm, though that's hard when the lunch bell rings. It’s a practical school for local families who want their kids to get an education without having to leave the hills. We spend our time managing the daily lessons and keeping the building in good shape against the mountain weather. It’s honest work, and we like it that way.