SHEF-HCLF Uday organises Inter-house school event in 16 govt schools in collaboration with Basic Shiksha Vibhag

Study Hall Educational Foundation in collaboration with HCLF and Basic Shiksha Vibhag organized theme-based inter-house school events at Naubasta Upper primary school in Lucknow. The theme of the event was – Stop violence against women.
Delegates from Basic Shiksha Vibhag were present at the event and appreciated the children and teachers in schools. The event will be conducted in all 16 partnered government schools in Lucknow urban. The event will end on 10 December.
SHEF-HCL Uday project lead, Shikha Singh said, “We are delighted to have active participation of students, parents and teachers. Our children performed confidently and with great zeal and enthusiasm. These events appear no less like Utsav.” SHEF-HCLUday (2018) is an initiative in collaboration with the Hindustan Computers Limited (HCL) Foundation and the UP government that aims to improve minimum learning levels in 16
government schools in Lucknow through teacher training and continuous academic support.
Alisha, a student of class 8 said, “I had a stage fright earlier, but now I feel confident to participate in this event. My teachers and classmates have been a big support for me.” Alisha anchored the event gracefully.
Rasheeda Khatoon, principal of Basic School Naubasta said, “Our children have enjoyed preparing for this event. There has been so much learning for our children. It is a great opportunity for them to build their confidence.”
The event was a fusion of talent, imagination, creativity and alertness. Whether it was a group song, dance, art, poster making, or writing creative poems, these activities helped to bring out the uniqueness of each child. The event ended with the distribution of prizes and certificates to the winners by Sabhasad, Sadhna Verma and she also appreciated the efforts put in by all the participants and teachers. The event concluded successfully with great words of encouragement and appreciation from judges.

Photo courtesy: DSH Team

Dr Urvashi Sahni at the United Nations General Assembly

We are happy to inform you that as one of the founding members of Catalyst2030 and as the Co-chair of Education Collaboration, Dr Urvashi Sahni spoke at the Transforming Education Summit at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on 17 September, 2022. Catalyst2030 launched Pathways to Transforming Education: Proven Solutions from Social Entrepreneurs report. The inspiring report provides details on how we can adopt evidence-based learning principles to address 21st century challenges and collaboratively revolutionize education. The goal is to sensitize policymakers and influence education policy and practice for the better. The report highlights the importance of having social entrepreneurs and learners as active stakeholders in education policy design and practice implementation. 

The report brings together more than 60 social entrepreneurs working towards SDG4 #QualityEducation. These entrepreneurs have worked closely with their communities for many years and have developed tried and tested solutions that have proved to be successful. 

“Education is the basic right of every child,” says Sandeep Kumar Singh, Minister of state, Basic Education, UP

“Education is the basic right of every child, and we are trying to reach every child in the country. Prerna school is doing such amazing work by educating girls and boys from the most vulnerable communities and has empowered them to reach new heights,” said Sandeep Kumar Singh, Minister of state, Basic Education, UP who was as the chief guest at the convocation ceremony of Prerna Girls and Boys School. Mr G Ramesh, Managing Director of HDB Financial Services Ltd and Dr Vinit Chauhan, Associate professor at IIM Lucknow and Dr Rajender Pensiya IAS officer, Lucknow UPS Nagar Vikas were the guests of honour at the ceremony. 

Prerna Girls School and Prerna Boys School (units of Study Hall Educational Foundation) organized their convocation ceremony on the 6 September. The students who successfully completed their class 10th and 12th board exams were felicitated. 40 girls and 13 boys were awarded with Late Sundari Devi Kapoor Memorial Scholarship. In addition, three Prerna alumnae who successfully completed their graduation and have enrolled for master’s program were awarded with Late Rajendra Mohini Satpal Malhotra Memorial scholarship.

The program started with Principal Rakhee Panjwani addressing the parents and thanking them for their support and congratulating the girls and boys for their achievements. The students performed ‘Ganesh Vandana’ mesmerizing the audience. 

Dr Urvashi Sahni, founder and CEO of SHEF congratulated the students and the parents. She said, “Every aspect of education at Prerna — the teachers, the curriculum, the culture of the school, is focused on helping the girls construct a sense of themselves as equal persons worthy of being respected by themselves and their communities. We don’t just focus on academic excellence, but to empower them and to build a capacity to aspire, to take charge of their lives, and to flourish. We also focus on boys to help them ”  

The students shared their experiences with the audience. Sonali Sahu, Prerna graduate said, “I feel proud to be a part of Prerna, we are taught that girls are equal and have every right to a life of their own choosing. With my teacher’s support I was able to do well in my class 12th examination. I also got the opportunity to study in Italy through a scholarship program. And it has been a great learning experience for me.” She also thanked her teachers and parents. 

Manju Rawat, mother of Shalu, a Prerna student said, “There is no school like Prerna. My children are welcomed in the classrooms with their lives and their problems. Teachers don’t just teach here but support them through all their challenges and help them achieve their dreams.” 

The ceremony continued with a delightful dance performance. The ceremony finished up with a vote of thanks by the vice Principal, Roli Saxena and National Anthem.

Photo courtesy: DSH Team

“Chokhi (genuine) Kahaniyan stays true to its name throughout the program” says Akhilendra Dubey, Program Manager, ICDS Lucknow

Lucknow: Akhilendra Dubey, Program Manager, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Lucknow at a unique storyteller event said, “Chokhi (genuine) Kahaniyan stays true to its name throughout the program. Through storytelling they have raised awareness around many social issues as well as environmental issues.” Mr Dubey was invited as the Chief Guest at a storytelling event – Chokhi Kahaniyan where out of school children from six districts performed for the first time. Chokhi Kahaniya was organized by Study Hall Educational Foundation’s (SHEF) GyanSetu Early Childhood Development centers. 

Dr Uravshi Sahni, founder and CEO of Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF), “This is a great opportunity to showcase their talent and build their aspirations. I am delighted to see parents gathered in huge numbers, especially fathers to see their children perform. In 2019, GyanSetu began giving focus to children ages 3 to 6 years through its Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme and we now have 54 centers educating over 1500 children under 3 to 6 years of age.” 

Reena Seth, who heads GyanSetu ECD program said, “Our students and teachers have worked really hard to make this event a huge success. I am so proud of these kids for performing so well.”

Tanmai Chaturvedi, Program Manager of Gyansetu said, “GyanSetu centers are hubs of community transformation, and children are at the very center of our program. It is heartening to see how talented these children are and how much they are enjoying performing on stage. This is a new experience for our children and the teachers..”

GyanSetu centers are run by SHEF. These are small, intimate learning support centers in rural and urban pockets where poverty, gender and caste intersect to prevent children from going to school. Spread across six districts of Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow, Sitapur, Unnao, Barabanki, Ayodhya and Pratapgarh), GyanSetu currently has 148 centers educating 4000 out-of-school children by pacing their learning with an aim to transition them to formal schooling. These centers also function as hubs of community transformation and create a sustainable and caring support system for first generation learners.

Photo courtesy: DSH Team

“Going to study in the US is like a dream for me” says 16 year-old who won the US State Department’s scholarship

Lucknow: “Going to study in the US is like a dream for me, I would have never imagined studying abroad,” says 16 year-old Kashish, who got selected for the US State Department’s Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) programme scholarship. She leaves for St Louis, Missouri later this week. “It is a great learning opportunity for me and my school has been my biggest support throughout.” Kashish is a Prerna alum, who is currently studying in class 11 at Study Hall School on scholarship. She joined Prerna Girls School in 2009 and later earned a scholarship to study at Study Hall School because of her excellent academic performance. Kashish will be studying at Parkway South High School, in St Louis, Missouri, USA for this academic year. 

Kashish lost her father at the age of five. Her mother, Shashi is a single parent, raising three daughters and works at a women’s self help group, where she makes dry snacks and pickles. “My daughters have made me so proud. Kashish is going to study abroad. All of us are so excited and happy,” says Sahshi. “I dealt with society when they questioned me for not having a son and raising three daughters alone after losing my husband. I was able to send all my daughters to school because of Prerna School. I don’t need a son, I have my daughters”, she adds. 

Rakhee Panjwani, principal, Prerna Girls School (a unit of Study Hall Educational Foundation) says, “This is indeed a very proud moment for our school. Kashish has been one of the brightest students and it is her dedication and hard work that got her selected for the scholarship. We wish her good luck for her journey and hope that she returns more confident and encourages her peers too.”

In the past, 10 girls had been selected from Study Hall Educational Foundation for the YES programme to study in the US. The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) programme brings high school students from countries of strategic importance to the United States for an academic year.

Over 40 NGOs join hands with SHEF to educate men and boys to become activists and advocates of gender justice

Lucknow: India’s Daughters’ Campaign (IDC) called on fellow NGOs to join forces to mobilize and educate men and boys to become activists and champions of gender justice. Over 40 NGOs and government officials participated in the meeting. Representatives from organizations like – Suraksha, Prayatna, AALI, Millan, Action Aid, Vatsalya, Shabhagi Sikshan Kender and AMS along with representatives from government schools. 

“The purpose of this alliance, which is still taking shape, stems from the fact that most efforts to address gender inequality focus solely on empowering girls and women. While a necessary part of the equation, it is also imperative that boys learn to fight, resist, and end sexist oppression” said Priyanka Saxena who is incharge of the India’s Daughters’ Campaign – an initiative of Study Hall Educational Foundation.  The IDC takes a unique approach by bringing boys and men to the center of the discussion on gender inequality. Dissecting the perils of patriarchy, the campaign focuses on why men should give up power and change. 

Dr Urvashi Sahni, founder and CEO of SHEF said, “Boys and men must learn to deconstruct the patriarchal conception of masculinity and reconstruct an egalitarian one in its place. They must learn to recognize girls and women as equal persons to themselves, develop a critical understanding of patriarchal structures that frame their lives, and develop a critical feminist consciousness.”

“If we want to amplify this joint effort, then we must start by redefining manhood and boyhood and breaking open what it means to be a boy or girl and let our children decide who they are.” said Ritu from Humsafar.

Most efforts to address gender inequality focus solely on empowering girls and women. While a necessary part of the equation, it is also imperative that boys learn to fight, resist, and end sexist oppression. IDC aims to mobilize and educate men and boys to become activists and advocates of gender justice. 

“You have to start teaching boys when they’re young, fathers need to set good examples for their sons. There is a lot of unlearning to be done.” Asiya, independent gender consultant.

Photo courtesy: DSH Team

Two Days Traveling Film Festival on Gender Diversity

Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) in collaboration with Men Against Violence and Abuse (MAVA) organized a 2-days film-festival called SamaBhav at Sangeet Natak Akademi. The theme of the ongoing festival is gender, masculinity, sexuality and diversity. 

Dr Urvashi Sahni, Founder and CEO of SHEF says, “Most efforts to address gender inequality focus solely on empowering girls and women. While a necessary part of the equation, it is also imperative that boys learn to fight, resist, and end sexist oppression. I urge all men and boys to become activists and advocates of gender justice.” She adds “SHEF’s India’s Daughters’ Campaign (IDC) aims to mobilize and educate men and boys to become activists and champions of gender justice.”

Harish Sadani, Executive Director and Co-Founder of MAVA says, “Samabhav engages youths through stirring conversations on gender issues and Intersectionality. We create a safe space for youth to relate to all genders, and advocate for a healthy, pluralistic, gender-just society.” 

The Festival aims to provide a safe, non-threatening platform to open up, ventilate differences and celebrate diversity in Gender and featured 19 national a

nd international short films, documentaries and feature films on gender such as Award-Winning and notable Films The Great Indian Kitchen, Natkhat, Hridoy Bosot, Abu, Untying The Knot, Maida, Black Roses and Red Dresses, Bhaap, Sunday, Darling, Tuloni Bia. Active discussions were a key part of the festival.

Gender rights activists Asiya Shervani, Nasiruddin Khan, Manish Kumar, Altamash Khan and Amruta Soni were among the key discussants at the fest interacting with the gathered participants.

American Embassy sponsored English Access Program, commences at SHEF

Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) organized the opening ceremony of the English Access Microscholarship Program (Access). Over 100 students have been enrolled in the program from four units of SHEF (Prerna Girls School, Prerna Boys School, Vidyasthali school and Study Hall College). Over 400 children have graduated from the program. Access is a 2-year intensive English language program funded by the U.S Department of State for youth around the world for 13 to 20 year-olds. This is the fifth cycle of the English Access Program at SHEF.

The program started with a speech by Access Program Coordinator, Zarine Garcia, This program goes beyond just teaching English. Access is a place where creativity is sparked for everyone involved. There is a clear transformation in our students. It has opened doors to scholarship opportunities.”

Dr Uravshi Sahni, founder and CEO of SHEF said, “Welcome to the new students. This is going to be a good experience for all of you. It aligns with our vision, to educate children, empower them and inculcate the values of equality, social justice and democratic citizenship.”

Students then shared their experiences with the program and presented cultural performances. 

Ruth Goode, Regional English Language Officer (RELO), “English Access Microscholarship is to empower students from non-English speaking countries by teaching them professional skills, social skills, and leadership. More than 400 students from SHEF have been a part of this program.”

Sonali, an alum of Access Program said, “I have enjoyed the two years of Access program. It has given me so many opportunities. I went to Italy last for an exchange program. It has built my confidence and enhanced my personality.” 

Surya Narayan, a student of Study Hall College, “This is a great opportunity for me as well as other students. I am very excited to start this program. I am hoping to develop my English speaking skills.”

Job Fair for specially-abled: 5 students from Study Hall DOSTI get offers

Lucknow: 5 students from DOSTI school were offered jobs at a job fair for Persons with Disabilities organised by Youth4jobs Foundation in collaboration with CII, IDBN and Axis Bank at Study Hall School campus on Tuesday. Over 100 specially-abled persons were offered jobs at the fair. The event was a success as 200 people attended the fair and more than 500 registered. 30 corporate representatives from various sectors, like Hospitality, Retail, IT/ITeS, Banking & Finance, BPO, Travel & Tourism, E-Commerce, Manufacturing etc., participated.

Sanskar, a student of DOSTI school, was offered a job at Zomato Zia. Sanskar is a special child with intellectual disability, who joined DOSTI school in 2014. He has completed his class 12th in 2019 through NIOS. Last year, Sanskar also completed his diploma in Learning Based AEMP from AIMS Media. Like Sanskar, 4 other students from DOSTI have been shortlisted and will receive training in their respective fields.

Tarannum Khan, Head-mistress of DOSTI school said, “At DOSTI, our focus is on life outcomes and not just learning outcomes. We want our children to integrate as empowered individuals in society. This is a great initiative by Youth4Jobs for specially-abled people. Many of our students have registered and have been offered jobs already.” DOSTI is a unit of Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) and has been working for the last 17 years to educate special children according to pace, realize their best potential and become independent individuals.

Meera Shenoy, founder of Youth4Jobs said, “It is well established that the inclusion of persons with disabilities not only creates diversity but also makes business sense. This job fair is thus an excellent opportunity for corporations to meet, interview and employ this job ready talent pool, who add value to the organization for enhancing creativity, productivity, passion and employee retention.” 

Representatives from  Youth4Jobs and Corporate HRs will also offer services like Employability Assessments, post selection handholding and career Guidance and Counseling for job interviews to the candidates.

International Yoga Day: SHEF-HCL Uday organises Yog Shivir in 16 govt schools

Lucknow: Celebrating the International Yoga Day, SHEF-HCL UDAY teachers organized a four day Yog Shivir, in 16 government schools. 17th to 21st of June, yoga gurus were invited to the schools to sensitize children with yoga practices in schools.
Shikha Singh, project manager, SHEF-HCL Uday program said, “This is the first time most of the children are learning about yoga and its benefits. It is really important for children to start practicing a healthy lifestyle and what better than yoga.”
Students along with their parents participated and enjoyed Yog Shivir and learned a lot from experts. This 4-day yoga camp was successfully conducted by SHEF volunteers and government teachers, who instilled
zeal for yoga in the children. Children of 16 schools and their parents enthusiastically participated on this Yoga Day.
Since 2018, SHEF partnered with HCL Foundation and government of Uttar Pradesh to improve the learning outcomes in 16 government schools across Lucknow. SHEF-HCLF understands that education is critical for overall development of personality and attitude of children by bringing positive changes in a child’s life.