Author Archives: MediaTeam

SHEF concludes Democratic Citizenship Festival: 19 schools from 3 districts, over 200 children participated

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Lucknow: Study Hall Education Foundation (SHEF) concluded its  “Democratic Citizenship Festival” on Saturday, The festival saw enthusiastic participation from more than 200 children representing 19 schools across three districts. The event was organized to foster active and responsible citizenship among youth. Dr Farzana Shakeel, Secretary, CBSE Sahodaya schools cluster Barabanki and Amrita Das, Founder Director, Institute for Career Studies were the Chief Guests. 

Dr Urvashi Sahni Founder and CEO of SHEF said “We still have very strong patriarchal mindsets which govern how we behave and unless those are deconstructed and democratic mindsets are constructed, we will never have a robust democracy” 

Study Hall School, branches of CMS, A.R Jaipuria,  Prerna Girls and Boys School, Vidyasthali Kanar Inter College, Loreto school, Arvind Academy and Modern Academy and many other prestigious schools participated in the festival. The last day of the festival was packed with exciting events – students showcased prowess in dance in the segment “Dance of Democracy: We the People.” centred around Article 19. Students showcased their talents in art and poetry through “Unmesh”. In the “Perimeter” segment students reimagined constitutional scenarios mainly Articles 14, 19 and 21 showing profound insight. 

Meenakshi Shah, Vice principal Study Hall School, Concluded the event by highlighting the vision of SHEF, “A world where everyone is educated for Gender Equality, Social Justice, Personal Flourishing and Active Democratic Citizenship.” She expressed gratitude to all those who participated in the festival. 

“Feminist coalition is formed with the aim of uniting grassroots organizations to take collective action against gender-based violence.” said Dr Urvashi Sahni

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Lucknow:“Feminist coalition is formed with the aim of uniting grassroots organizations to take collective action against gender-based violence.” said  Dr Urvashi Sahni founder and CEO of SHEF at Feminist coalition meetingon Wednesday 26th July. This meeting was organized  Study Hall Education Foundation (SHEF)’s Aarohini Initiative. Over 35 NGOs and government officials like UNICEF, Care India, AALI, HUM Foundation, Helping Hands, and YES Foundation were in attendance. 

The purpose of this annual meeting was to foster solutions, encourage collaboration and have dialogues on collective action that can be taken on critical issues faced by marginalized communities for centuries, especially women.  

“Through collaborative efforts, NGOs that are present here can seamlessly navigate through problems that they were unable to handle independently. This collaboration can turn into a powerful alliance” said Priyanka Saxena who is in charge of the The “India’s Daughters’ Campaign,” a campaign run by the Study Hall Educational Foundation, which has a powerful strategy that involves boys and men while addressing gender inequality, instigating change within them and the society.  

Saumya a representative of AALI Foundation Lucknow said “we should take charge of India’s Daughters’ Campaign and educate boys and men about gender justice. Help them build a gender lens which would help create collective front against gender based violence”

The event was highly engaging, consisting of various activities and discussions that fostered mutual understanding among the NGOs. It paved the way for numerous potential collaborations in the future.

“Theatre provides a safe space for children to express their feelings, rehearse resistance and think critically,” says Dr Urvashi Sahni

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Lucknow: “Theatre provides a safe space for children to express their feelings, rehearse resistance and think critically. At SHEF we provide all our children safe space to learn and fail. Arts and drama are an integral part of our pedagogy,” said Dr Urvashi Sahni at Yuva Manch, a theatre festival organised by Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) at Sant Gadge Auditorium in Gomti Nagar. The festival showcased three critically acclaimed plays by renowned writers – Munshi Prem Chand, Anton Chekhov and Rabindra Nath Tagore, and performed by the students and alumni from various units of SHEF.

Yuva Manch opened with Thakur ka Kuan, an adaptation of Munshi Premchand’s story of the same name. The play was performed by students of Vidyasthali Kanar Inter College (a unit of SHEF). It was followed by a series of two English stories under the theatrical performance “Cheers to Chekhov” as a tribute by the students, to the renowned Russian playwright and master of modern short story, Anton Chekhov. ‘The Chameleon’, was a comical parody that kept the crowd guessing. It captured the hypocritical nature of individuals in society who prioritise authority and status over principles of truth and justice.

Meenakshi Bahadur, Principal of Study Hall said “Drama instils discipline and hones multiple skills in the children. It helps in fostering creativity, self-expression, and teamwork.”

The final presentation was an adaptation by Shrimati Usha Ganguly, of Rabindranath Tagore’s story ‘Chandalika, a poignant tale exploring caste, compassion, and self-liberation in 20th-century India, a compelling story of societal barriers shattered. Students of Prerna Girls School, Prerna Boys School and Study Hall performed the play for the audience.

A month-long theatre workshop was organised to hone the acting, diction and stage presentation of students by Mr. Bhartendu Kashyap and Mr. Vinay Kumar Mishra who directed all the plays. At the core of all these plays, societal issues were brought to light, which made for an evocative theatrical performance by the children.

Jishan a student from Laharpur Sitapur says “Patriarchy affects us as well girls. We must work towards ending gender discrimination, starting from our own homes by supporting our mothers and sisters.

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Lucknow: On 24th June 2023, A 5-day gender justice camp held in Sahbhagi Shikshan Kendra ended with a felicitation ceremony for all the participants. The camp was organized by Study Hall Education Foundation’s Aarohini Program in collaboration with Uttar Pradesh Government’s Sarv Shiksha Abhiyaan (SSA) for 86 boys from 43 upper primary government schools in Laharpur block, Sitapur. The ceremony was attended by Mr P.K. Tripathi Joint director of the social welfare department, Uttar Pradesh and Vinod Tiwari, police chief, Saidpur, Bakshi ka Talab.

The purpose of this camp was to make boys aware of gender issues and help them create a gender lens through active discussions and activities thus causing a shift in their mindset so that are able to understand gender disparity, They also learnt that Patriarchy is as harmful to boys as it is to girls. To eradicate patriarchy, boys must join the cause alongside girls. These boys are now prepared to create a safer, more inclusive world for women and girls by educating their parents and community about gender issues and societal injustices, thereby raising awareness.

Addressing the children Mr P.K. Tripathi said  “All of you have been selected by the Study Hall Educational Foundation as champions of gender justice, I know for sure that this camp has taught all of you to be better citizens and instilled values like respect and responsibility in you. Camps like these should be organized in every school !”

Mr Jishan a Student from Laharpur Block Sitapur said  “Patriarchy affects boys as well as girls. We must work towards ending gender discrimination, starting from our own homes by supporting our mothers and sisters Let’s raise our voices together for gender equality. I am very excited to share what I have learned in this camp with my friends.”

“It’s time for boys and men to change,” says Ms Priyanka Saxena, Program Manager, Aarohini Program. She mentions that a remarkable change is seen in the boys that have participated in the camp. These boys are now excited to share what they have learned in the camp with their friends back home and support their mothers and sisters in daily chores. These boys have successfully become champions of gender justice.  

The program ended with the distribution of certificates to all the participants and a group photograph with the chief guests. 

SSA, SHEF organize early morning yoga session on International Yoga Day as part of their 5 day residential camp

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Lucknow: To celebrate International Yoga Day, Study Hall Education Foundation’s Aarohini program in collaboration with the Sarva Shiksha Vibhaag of Uttar Pradesh organized a yoga session as a part of their 5-day residential camp for gender justice and equality in Sehbhagi Shikshan Kendra.

The session had active participation of children and teachers, who engaged in a wide array of yoga asanas and pranayama exercises. The teachers also gave detailed explanations regarding the significance and benefits of each asana.

The camp is specifically catering to children coming from 43 upper primary government schools located in the Laharpur block of Sitapur. The primary objective of this camp is to educate and empower young boys, encouraging them to become Champions of Gender Justice and act as advocates for issues regarding gender.

Priyanka Saxena, program manager, Aarohini, expressed her enthusiasm, stating that this unique camp can provide a remarkable platform for boys to transform through yoga, active discussions and activities.

Awareness rally about educating girls

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“Educating girls can help uplift communitie, states and nations” said Surabhi Kashyap, alumna of the English Access Micro Scholarship Program at Study Hall Educational Foundation.      

On 20 May 2023, Ms. Surabhi Kashyap an alumna of the English Access Microscholarship Program at Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) organized a rally to advocate for girls’ right to education. More than 600 people participated in the rally including students from Prerna Girls School, Prerna Boys School, English Access Program and community members.

The aim of the rally was to increase parents’ awareness about girl child education and to instill gender justice. This march was carried out in two villages, Ujariyaon and Guwari. The rally is part of a larger project that aims to raise community awareness about the rights and education of the girl child.        

The rally was attended by Dr. Urvashi Sahni,  Founder-CEO, Study Hall Educational Foundation, COO Mr Anand chitravanshi, Rakhi Panjwani, Principal, Prerna Girls School, Roli Saxena, Vice Principal, Priyanka Saxena, Program Manager, Aarohini Initiative and her team members, Zareen Garcia, English Access ran away. Coordinator and Global Shapers, Vice Curator Sania Ashar 

The students performed a ‘Nukkad Natak’ regarding how not educating young girls can have adverse effects on their future. The students also interacted with the community members and asked them take a pledge against child marriage. 

Ms Surabhi Kashyap mentioned the importance of educating girls from an early age she said “Educating girls can help uplift communities, states and Nations” she also mentioned that a feminist approach in a child’s upbringing can help them become kinder and compassionate people.

“Child marriage is slavery,” says Dr Urvashi Sahni

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Lucknow: Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) organised Join the Discussion on Child marriage is slavery. Ms Ruchita Chowdhary, SP Women and Child Security wing, Lucknow, Director of Lucknow Childline, Dr. Sangeeta Sharma and Dr Uravshi Sahni, Founder and CEO of SHEF were the panelist of the discussion. Over 320 people attended the webinar. The aim was to address issue of child marriages. The panelists interacted with Gram Panchayat Pradhan, government officials, child Line and members of One Stop Center.

SHEF’s Founder and CEO Dr. Urvashi Sahni said “Child marriage is child slavery! Once we recognise this, only then we will be able to change the mindset of the masses.”

“The pradhans and the panchayat members should intervene in matters regarding child marriage. They should unlearn all old notions and think about the wellbeing of the children.” said Sangeeta Sharma while addressing the Pradhans and the Gram Panchayat members.

Ruchita Chaudhary, SP Women and Child Security wing, Lucknow said, “Child marriage is violence against women. Even today our society is unable to understand the gravity of the crime.”

During the webinar the panelists engaged and talked about how to intervene and stop child marriage and where can they find support and legal guidance from.

Teachers must empower students and educate them about gender equality and social justice, says Dr Urvashi Sahni at the convocation ceremony of NPTT.

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LUCKNOW: Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) held the 8th convocation ceremony of its Nursery and Primary Teacher Training (NPTT). 18 students were awarded certificates and mark sheets upon the completion of the one-year course. 

“This is an apprenticeship model of teacher training that empowers teachers to acquire teaching skills suited to the needs of the children of the 21st century,” said Priya Kakkar, director, SHEF’s NPTT programme. 

“As teachers, it is our duty to ensure that the trainees flourish in their personal and professional lives. They must empower students and educate them about gender equality and social justice. Through this program, we teach our students to be “swatantra” and have complete autonomy over their own lives,” said Urvashi Sahni, founder and CEO, of SHEF. 

The graduating students shared their learning through a cultural presentation titled, “ Who Am I”? They shared their understanding of life and reminisced about their own experiences. The event was an amalgamation of poetry, dance and drama which was cheered on by the children and family members of the students who attended the convocation.

The NPTT certification course started in the year 2015. Since then more than 150 students have been trained and placed in various reputed schools such as Seth MR Jaipuria, CMS, Kunskapsskolan, Colvin Taluqdaar, Prep School, and Study Hall School in and around Lucknow, and many have got p[laced in schools all over India.

Get Set Go: GyanSetu celebrates 10 years of educating out of school children

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Lucknow: Gyansetu, a unit of Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) organized its first sports day on Tuesday, March 14th at K.D Singh Babu Stadium. Over 680 children participated from six districts from 70 distinct locations. The sports meet was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Mr. Ajay Singh, Principal, District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) along with the founder and CEO of SHEF, Dr. Urvahsi Sahni. Founded in 2011, GyanSetu has completed 10 years.

The event started with the zone display march followed by an invigorating yoga performance by the children. The highlight of the event was the hoop drill. The event was a mix of drills and races, and other PT displays. Taekwondo and tug-of-war races were the highlights of the day. The students were very excited about the relay events and obstacle races these events got the loudest cheers. 

Mr. Ajay Singh appreciated the hard work of children and teachers and said, “Children should be encouraged to participate in sports and more parents should let their children, especially girls, pursue sports as a career. Extracurricular activities are imperative for a child’s holistic development.” 

Dr Urvashi Sahni said, “We are thrilled to see our children perform so well. It’s an amazing experience for our children and this is the first time they are on field and have done so well. Through GyanSetu, we aim to educate every child, who for some reason has dropped out of school.”

GyanSetu is a cluster of community education centers in low-income communities and migrant labor colonies for out-of-school children. Currently, SHEF has 139 centers catering to over 4000 children in six districts of Uttar Pradesh. The GyanSetu program runs Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers, Primary centers, Digital literacy centers, Adult literacy centers, and a skill development center.

The sports event ended with the prize distribution and an energetic performance from Prerna Girls students. 

Photo courtesy: DSH Team

“Equality is an important aspect of democracy,” says Asim Arun, Minister of State social welfare at IDC award ceremony

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Lucknow: “Equality is an important aspect of democracy. Being democratic means that we believe and treat everyone equally. It is important to educate our boys that girls are equal and they have to work together to strengthen democracy and I am glad that Study Hall Educational Foundation is working towards educating everyone for equality and social justice,” said Asim Arun, Minister of State, Social Welfare at the India’s Daughters Campaign award ceremony. 

Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) organized the annual India’s Daughters Campaign (IDC) award ceremony on Tuesday. As a part of the campaign, discussions on patriarchy were organized in 1700 schools and 2 lakh children from all districts of Uttar Pradesh participated in the campaign. Drama competition, film making, poster making, essay and poem writing competitions were conducted and an amount of 1 lakh 54 thousand was distributed among the winners as scholarship. Mr P K Tripathi, Joint Director of Samj Kalyan was also present. Members from organisations like – UNICEF, Room To Read, AIDWA, AALI, Jijiwisha Society, Robin Hood Army, DIET and Manavsrijan were also present.

Dr Urvashi Sahni, founder and CEO of SHEF said, “Congratulations to the winners as well as all the children who participated in our campaign. Our campaign urges men and boys to change. When we talk about equality, it is imperative to include boys and men in the conversation. They must learn that patriarchy is cruel, unfair, unjust to women and girls and nothing can change if we don’t teach our boys and men to annihilate patriarchal structures and establish an egalitarian one instead.”

For the past two years, boys have become the focus of the IDC. The theme of this year’s campaign was – It’s time for men and boys to change, which focused on educating boys and men to fight patriarchy and become advocates and champions of gender justice. In  the last 12 years, SHEF through IDC has successfully mobilized over 11 lakh community members and raised awareness regarding girl’s rights and gender based violence.

Photo courtesy: DSH Team