The Laidlaw Memorial School Ketti

The Laidlaw Memorial School Ketti has its spot on Nelliturai Road in Mettupalayam. It's been around for quite some time now. When you drive down towards the road, you can't really miss the turn-off. We have a lot of history here, though we don't talk about it in a boastful way. It's just part of the stones and the trees around the place. The weather in this part of Mettupalayam can be a bit unpredictable, but the school stays busy regardless of the rain. We have students coming in from different parts, and the daily routine is pretty set. Morning assembly starts things off, and then it’s just the sound of teachers talking and pens scratching on paper until the afternoon. The grounds are large enough for everyone to stretch their legs. We spend a lot of time making sure the buildings stay in good shape because they aren't new. Sometimes the roof leaks a tiny bit when the monsoon is heavy, but we fix it up when we find the time and money. It’s a community here more than just a place of work. We know the parents and we know which kids are likely to be late. That’s just how things go. We keep the books in order and make sure the students have what they need to pass their exams. It is a long day for everyone, but at the end of it, seeing the kids leave with their bags is a good feeling for us all.