SHEF and HCL Foundation launch Girls’ Winter Camp to empower girls from eight KGBVs in Lucknow

Lucknow: A three-day Girls Winter Camp, organised by the Study Hall Educational Foundation in collaboration with the HCL Foundation, concluded today. The camp was conducted in two phases for students from eight Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) in Lucknow. The initiative aimed to build girls’ self-confidence, strengthen their critical thinking skills, and deepen their understanding of rights, equality, and independent decision-making. The programme was attended by BSA Vipin Kumar and Block Education Officer (BKT), Ms. Preeti Shukla. The certificate distribution ceremony was conducted by BSA Vipin Kumar and Ms. Anjali, Lucknow Head of the HCL Uday programme, which further boosted the enthusiasm and confidence of the girls. In the first batch, 40 students from KGBVs in Chinhat, Sarojini Nagar, Mohanlalganj, and Gosainganj participated in the camp. The second batch will include 40 students from KGBVs in Malihabad, Mall, Kakori, and BKT. During the programme, Study Hall Educational Foundation Founder Dr. Urvashi Sahni and representatives from HCL Technologies also encouraged the students, strengthening their morale and self-confidence.

BSA Vipin Kumar said, “Becoming a good human being and maintaining a positive mindset are essential for a better life. The Department, SHEF, and HCL are working together to create an environment where every student matters. Education is the path through which these opportunities reach you, and I urge all students to value and continue their education.” Block Education Officer (Basic), Ms. Preeti, interacted with the children during the visit and reviewed the activities of the camp.

Sharing her experience, Aditi, a Class 8 student from Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, Sarojini Nagar, said, “These three days have been the best days of my life. I learned to trust myself, express my thoughts without fear, and understand the difference between right and wrong. I also learned about my rights and equality. Now I feel confident that I can make my own decisions and work towards my dreams.”

Shikha Singh, Shikha Singh, Program Manager – Education Initiatives, Study Hall Educational Foundation, Lucknow, said, “The children are extremely talented. What they need is an environment that helps them recognize and refine their abilities and strengths, so that they can learn to make their own decisions and gain better control over their lives. During this camp, I also observed children who were initially hesitant to speak openly, gradually expressing their thoughts with confidence.”

The camp is designed to go beyond academic learning, focusing on life skills that enable girls to question inequality, make informed decisions, and navigate the world with self-belief. Through interactive sessions, discussions, games, and creative activities, students are encouraged to reflect on gender roles, understand their responsibilities and rights, and build the courage to speak up for themselves. Key sessions addressed critical and timely issues such as child marriage, the POCSO Act, gender equality, and safety—equipping girls with knowledge that directly impacts their lives. Each day of the camp began with collective activities and dialogue, creating a safe space where girls could learn from one another and articulate their aspirations.

This Girls’ Winter Camp reflects SHEF’s broader vision of empowering girls from marginalized communities through education that is not only inclusive but transformative—helping girls move forward with confidence, awareness, and the ability to shape their own futures.

Empowering students through the art of listening

Study Hall College organized a session on Listening Skills led by Ms Nidhika Jindal, an experienced HR and Learning & Development professional with over 18 years of industry experience. The session highlighted the importance of active listening as a cornerstone of effective communication, emphasizing its role in building trust, encouraging collaboration, and strengthening interpersonal connections.

Inter-departmental computer quiz on National Computer Literacy Day

Tech Sphere, Study Hall College’s AI & IT club, organized an inter-departmental computer quiz to mark National Computer Literacy Day. Students from all departments put their digital skills to the test and powered up their tech knowledge through a fun and challenging competition. The initiative promoted digital literacy, encouraged cross-disciplinary interaction, and celebrated tech-savvy talent across the campus.

From market surveys to media reporting: A practical learning experience at handicrafts fair

Study Hall College organized an inter-departmental field visit to the Hindustan Hastshilp Mahotsav, bringing together students from BBA, BCom, and BAJMC programs for some experiential learning. During the visit, students conducted live surveys on GI-tagged products, interacted directly with buyers and sellers, and gained insights into market trends and consumer behaviour. Additionally, BAJMC students honed their on-ground media reporting skills through practical exposure. The visit provided another opportunity for hands-on learning, reinforcing the importance of real-world engagement beyond the classroom.

Prerna school celebrates convocation, highlighting education, equality, and life outcomes

Lucknow: Prerna Girls and Prerna Boys School, units of the Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF), held their Convocation Ceremony for students of Classes X and XII. The Chief Guest for the ceremony was Sri Asim Arun, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Social Welfare and SC/ST Welfare, Government of Uttar Pradesh. The Guests of Honour were Arlene Storm, Chancellor of Mount Royal University, Calgary, Canada, and Colin Jackson, Senior Scholar at the University of Calgary Graduate College and Co-Chair of the Civic Narrative Project Calgary on Purpose. A total of 124 students were felicitated at the ceremony.

Prerna Schools are built on a gender-transformative model that goes beyond academics. Girls learn to analyse the world around them, question inequality, and make their own decisions. Boys are taught to examine masculinity, reject harmful norms, and practice respect and empathy. The aim is not only to improve learning outcomes, but also life outcomes—helping first-generation learners build agency, understand their rights, and move through the world with confidence and awareness.

Addressing the graduates, Sri Asim Arun said, “Education is the most reliable path for any child to build a secure and dignified life. When girls and boys develop confidence, skills, and clear thinking, it strengthens not just their own future but the future of the country. What Prerna is doing shows how education can shape responsible citizens and contribute to real social and economic progress.”

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Urvashi Sahni, CEO of SHEF said, “Our children achieve so much in school despite the challenges they face every day. Their hard work has led to strong academic progress, but the most powerful change is in their lives. At Prerna, we have brought child marriage down to zero and seen girls take control of their decisions and futures. These students show us that when you combine education with dignity and equality, you don’t just improve learning outcomes — you create positive life outcomes.”

The convocation honoured the achievements of students who completed Class X and XII, many of whom are the first in their families to reach this milestone. Alumni also shared how the school’s focus on agency, critical thinking, and equality shaped their choices beyond school.

The ceremony closed with a shared commitment to continue advancing education that builds confident, responsible, and gender-just citizens.

Strengthening cyber security and AI skills through ICSS certificate program

The BCA department of Study Hall College concluded the 16-hour “Certified Secure Computer User Smart Program – Cyber Security Awareness & Smart AI” in collaboration with the International College for Security Studies. The program equipped students with practical knowledge of cyber threats, phishing, password security, digital hygiene, and the fundamentals of artificial intelligence through hands-on, expert-led sessions. Certificates were awarded to students who successfully completed the program, marking a significant step in strengthening their skills in cybersecurity and AI.

Integrating constitutional values into faculty development workshop

Study Hall College conducted a Faculty Development Program through its “Samvidhan Workshop”, celebrating the core values of the Indian Constitution. The workshop facilitated in-depth discussions on justice, equality, liberty, and fraternity, encouraging educators to reflect on the relevance of constitutional principles in contemporary education. The sessions emphasized that integrating constitutional values into pedagogy goes beyond academic instruction—it plays a vital role in shaping conscious, responsible citizens who uphold democratic ideals and actively challenge injustice. By promoting inclusivity, civic responsibility, and critical engagement, the workshop empowered faculty members to inspire learners through lessons rooted in constitutional ethics, social integrity, and respect for democratic processes.

Study Hall College hosts expert talk on cloud computing

Study Hall College organized a guest lecture on cloud computing for BCA students, delivered by Dr. Hemant Kumar Singh, Associate Professor at Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Language University, Lucknow. The session provided in-depth insights into emerging domains such as the Internet of Things, Data Mining, Big Data, Virtualisation, and Load Balancing. The lecture enriched students’ understanding of cloud technologies and highlighted their relevance in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, inspiring learners to explore future-ready technological pathways.

Industrial visit to organised and unorganised markets

Students of BBA and BCom from Study Hall College participated in an industrial visit to Mangal Bazaar and Phoenix United Mall, Lucknow to study the dynamics of unorganised and organised markets. The visit enabled students to observe real-world business practices, including pricing strategies, customer behaviour, and operational challenges across different market structures. The experience gave practical exposure, effectively bridging theoretical concepts with real-life market functioning.