Don Milani's arrival in Barbiana is a whirlwind for the people living in the few houses around the church. At first, the farmers who live there aren't too keen on the priest's idea of building a school, but they soon realize that education will help the kids have a better life than they did. The story of Don Milani and his housekeeper Eda thus intertwines with that of the children of Barbiana, who often have lessons outdoors and in a manner that is anything but traditional.