A Day at Helix Open School

Lessons Beyond Volunteering

“Some days don’t just pass — they stay within you, quietly reminding you what humanity looks like when kindness becomes a classroom.”

When I first walked into Helix Open School that morning, I didn’t feel like a volunteer arriving to “help.”I came as Sneha, a psychology student, an MBA learner, and most importantly, a seeker of stories as a passionate writer. I wanted to understand what education might look like when it grows out of empathy rather than expectation. Within minutes, I realized Helix wasn’t the kind of school you could simply describe — rather, it was something you felt.

Tucked away in the quiet, green landscape of Pagalpatti, Helix Open School feels less like an institution and more like a sanctuary for curiosity.Every wall hums with life, from the striking mural of human evolution climbing the staircase to the spiral of a Fibonacci snail curling along the corridor. There’s art, yes, but there’s also intention, color, and warmth blended into the fabric of daily life.

Helix was built for children who learn differently (i.e., those with dyslexia, ADHD, dyscalculia, and other learning differences). Yet inside those walls, such labels seem to vanish. Students aren’t defined by what they struggle with, but celebrated for how they see the world.

Each class, or “remedial” as they call it, is intimate—just a few students, each guided by teachers who listen with their hearts as much as they teach with their minds. These educators are deeply trained, emotionally intelligent, and endlessly patient. In their hands, education feels alive, personal, and deeply humane.

Helix doesn’t operate like a traditional school; it moves like a living, breathing community of acceptance.

My volunteering day unfolded with an unexpected kind of joy. Ms. Kamali, who led that day’s baking activity, my dear batchmate from college, interacted with us with the warmth of an old friend. Soon, the entire building smelled of chocolate cake and laughter. So many questions and curious kids waiting to be a part of the baking session. The children worked together kneading, mixing, measuring, their delight bubbling over like batter rising in an oven.

While Kamali guided the baking, I had the chance to hold a small interactive session with the students, like grabbing a moment when she went upstairs to measure some ingredients.I introduced them to the idea of the 5S system — Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain — as a simple method of organization. What followed wasn’t a lecture but a conversation full of wonder.

One young boy paused, Balaji, who later became my favorite, sharing my birthday with him, who thought for a moment, and said softly,“So, Shine? Like doing our best? I mean, I like English, like that?”

That moment struck me more deeply than any textbook ever could. In a single line, he transformed a management principle into a philosophy of life. That’s what learning looks like when curiosity meets sincerity.

As a psychology student, I often study concepts like empathy, inclusion, and safe learning spaces. At Helix, I didn’t just see them — I witnessed them in motion. The atmosphere here is unlike any other school I’ve known. It’s calm, creative, respectful, and emotionally safe. The children express themselves freely — laughing, questioning, creating without fear of being judged.

I've heard somewhere, Carl Rogers once spoke about unconditional positive regard—the idea that genuine growth happens only when people feel accepted exactly as they are. Helix has turned that idea into its daily rhythm. The teachers embody it not through slogans, but through the way they listen, encourage, and simply believe in their students.

Coming from an MBA background, I couldn’t help noticing that behind Helix’s seemingly free-flowing nature lies a remarkably well-structured system. The school runs with quiet precision—not rigid, but balanced. Leadership here feels collaborative rather than authoritative.Dr. Senthil, a psychologist and founder, along with Mrs. Priya, have nurtured Helix into a model where emotional intelligence and effective management coexist beautifully. Their vision doesn’t separate structure from soul—it integrates both.

Students move through a rhythm that mixes academics with hands-on life skills: carpentry, gardening, pottery, storytelling, filmmaking, and cooking. Each activity is purposefully designed not just to teach but to empower. It’s a rare kind of leadership—one that builds not just competence but confidence, not just a timetable but a thriving ecosystem of compassion.

As the day drew to a close, the children gathered to wave goodbye. Some ran up for quick hugs, others simply smiled wide—genuine smiles that seemed to light up the fading afternoon.

Standing there, I realized Helix had quietly reshaped my understanding of education. It’s not about syllabi or scores. It’s about building spaces where children are seen, heard, and accepted exactly as they are.

That day, I didn’t just volunteer. I learned what it means to be present — to see learning not as instruction, but as connection.I left Helix with my heart full of laughter, gratitude, and the unshakable belief that the truest form of education begins not in the classroom, but in compassion.

Because at Helix Open School, learning isn’t about fitting in — It’s about being found.

by Ms. Sneha

​Ms. Sneha is an optimistic ENFJ who loves people and brings a unique blend of technology, psychology, and empathy into everything she does. With a graduation in Information Technology, a Diploma in Applied Psychology, and an ongoing MBA at KIOT, Salem, she is also a passionate UPSC aspirant with a strong interest in Human Resources. She is certified in Graphology and Organisational Psychology and is known as an interpersonal influence architect with exceptional people skills. A gifted writer and versatile reader, she enjoys exploring theology, philosophy, mythology, technology, AI, and research. A natural orator and perpetual learner, she approaches life with warmth, enthusiasm, and kindness—always adding meaning, positivity, and a cheerful smile to every moment.