The Sebastian Hunter Higher Secondary School educates 600 boys and girls aged 10-18 years. The children mostly come from the surrounding deprived rural areas, 90% are Hindu. The school was originally built 100 years ago by missionaries and is set amongst large grounds with sports fields and a huge banyan tree at its centre.

In 2007, the Sebastian Hunter Memorial Trust rebuilt a large classroom block. Since its completion, another two buildings have been built (including the Joshua Brearley Higher Science Block) which comprises  airy, well designed classrooms, science laboratories and a computer lab, with 20 new computers, generously donated by Goldman Sachs. A new boy’s dormitory and toilet block as well as a guest house for volunteers has also been built.

There is still work which needs to be done at Arni. We hope the fourth and final classroom block, comprising art and music facilities, will be completed in 2012. We are currently rebuilding a new girls toilet block. Click here for further information what there is still left to do at The Sebastian Hunter Higher Secondary School.

In 2010, the Sebastian Hunter School was upgraded to higher secondary status, and now provides the necessary infrastructure and teaching support that will give the students further opportunities for higher education. However, the upgrade also means that there is an even greater need for volunteers to come help at the school. Click here for more information about volunteering at the Sebastian Hunter Higher Secondary School.