Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever

Gandhi

What most of us have in common across the world, at least us lucky ones, is that we went to school. And if we didn’t manage that, for all the layers of reasons why, we did all have a childhood.

This autumn, I travelled to Bangalore, India, and spent some time covering a community project at a local government school. Away from the construction work, I stole some time to sit in lessons, wander around the school, chat to the children and catch up with another way of learning.

Photo Essay: Incredible India Photos

1) In formation

Every morning before classes, students lined up to sing the national anthem in front of the school.

2) An English Lesson

Today, the topic was insects and the lesson plan evolved from a story of some Indian children who befriended a grasshopper.

3) End of class

Students cheer as I finally leave the room ;-) My brief time spent teaching gave me a whole new level of appreciation for what teachers do!

4) No Shoes

It’s compulsory for students to remove their shoes before class

5) Private study

I was surprised to see such a mix of age ranges within a single class. The eldest in this class was 14, the youngest 7. Most were 11 years old.

6) Looking the part

Older children get desks and chairs…

7) Civil disobedience

I never did manage to work out whether this child was enrolled in the school or not…The school grounds are next to a slum and open to the road and so people, traffic, dogs and cows can wander past during this pre-lesson assembly.

8) Human spirit

Some things never change! Kids just love having their photos taken..