The Phoenix School

We are out in Vpo Behna, which is a small spot in the Mandi district. It’s a quiet village area, so you don't get the heavy traffic like you do in the bigger towns. The school is a basic structure that fits right in with the surrounding houses and fields. Most of the families around here have known us for a long time, and many of the parents went here themselves back in the day. We have a few rooms for the different grades, and the furniture is mostly wooden desks that have been repaired more than once. The walk to the school involves some narrow paths, but it’s what everyone is used to. During the harvest season, things get a bit quieter as some families are busy in the fields. We don’t have a lot of extra staff, so we all end up doing a bit of everything, from teaching to fixing a leaky roof. The air is fresh out here, and we try to spend as much time as possible in the outdoor spaces when the weather allows. It’s a humble place, with no big signs or bright lights. We just focus on the daily lessons and making sure the kids have what they need for their exams. It’s a slow-paced life in Behna, and we like it that way. Everyone helps out when something needs doing, which keeps the school going year after year.