Smhs Cherai

Smhs Cherai is situated in a very specific part of the world, right on the road between Munambam and Pallippuram in Vypin. Being in Ernakulam but so close to the water means we always have a bit of a salty breeze coming through the windows. The school is a familiar sight for the people living in Cherai and the surrounding fishing villages. It’s an old building that has survived many monsoons, and you can see that in the way the walls look. We don't have a lot of modern luxuries, but we have enough space for the kids to learn and run around. The teachers here are used to the local lifestyle and they handle the students with a lot of patience. Most of the kids come from families who have lived on the island for a long time. Our daily routine is pretty standard—morning assembly, classes, a lunch break where everyone sits together, and then more classes until the afternoon. The sound of the waves isn't too far off, which makes for a nice background while we work. We focus on the books and the exams, just like any other school. It’s a very community-oriented place where everyone knows everyone else. We just keep the doors open and do the work that needs to be done every day for the local families. It’s not always easy, especially in heavy rain, but we make it work.