The HOPE foundation school at Tannery road, Bangalore has over 400 students (up from 271 the previous year). They live on and around a small hill where smoke constantly spews from heaps of refuse.
From 8.30 am onwards, they make the journey down the sometimes slippery slope (from home to the school), with dexterity that would make mountain goats proud.
Some of the parents soon start work - rolling fragrant incense sticks or as daily wage earners. At school, classes begin in right earnest with the teachers also playing the role of mentors.
A little after noon all the children receive a simple, hot, nutritious meal. The school has been blessed with a large play area - one that gives them an opportunity to burn energy. after a quick meal.
As the day winds down (around 4 pm) and school closes for the day, the children climb up the hill. They leave either individually or in small groups - quite likely with a silent prayer that life at home, would be just as meaningful as it was in school.
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