Rabia Basri, - Sunbeams

A Day at Sunbeams: Learning Beyond Classrooms

When I first entered Sunbeams, I was struck by how different it looked from the schools we usually imagine. It wasn’t a grand building with wide corridors or polished classrooms. Instead, it was a modest house turned into a learning space, yet within those simple walls there was something much greater than appearances could ever suggest. Children of all ages sat together, sharing the same classroom, and though the setting was humble, the atmosphere was alive with curiosity and eagerness. It was immediately clear to me that while these children may not have had the privileges of structured education before, they were now part of something truly meaningful. What moved me most was the way learning was made possible despite limited resources. Instead of being confined to worn-out textbooks, students were using tablets, opening windows to a world far beyond their surroundings. They were not learning in the conventional sense of strict age divisions, yet there was something remarkable in watching different age groups studying side by side, united in their determination to absorb as much as they could. It was a reminder that education is not always about grandeur—it is about effort, opportunity, and willpower. The students themselves were a reflection of that spirit. They welcomed me warmly, their curious eyes searching for every chance to learn something new. I could sense how much they valued the presence of anyone who could teach or guide them. Despite their diverse ages and backgrounds, they showed discipline, kindness, and above all, respect—not just towards me, but towards one another. I was touched by their behavior, their manners, and the way they carried themselves with dignity. Their eagerness was not forced; it was natural, born out of an inner drive to make the most of what was being offered to them. For me, spending time at Sunbeams was not only about observing children learning; it was about unlearning my own assumptions of what education looks like. I realized that while many schools pride themselves on facilities and appearances, what truly defines a school is the hunger to learn and the commitment to teaching. Sunbeams, with all its simplicity, taught me that education is not about perfection but about possibility. These children, with their tablets and their determination, are dreaming big despite small beginnings, and that is perhaps the most inspiring kind of education. As I left, I carried with me a deep sense of respect for both the students and the teachers who make this effort possible. Sunbeams may not resemble the traditional image of a school, but it carries within it something far greater—the hope of shaping lives through education, even when resources are few. It is proof that with dedication, kindness, and curiosity, learning can thrive anywhere. At Sunbeams, I did not just see students learning lessons; I saw them learning life. About Author Rabia Basri, a student of LGS, is an intern who recently spent time at Sunbeams, observing and experiencing its unique approach to education. Passionate about learning and community development, she reflects on how education can transform lives even in the simplest settings.

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