22 students from Prerna Girls School were part of a Photography Workshop hosted by UNICEF UP and conducted by an Italian Photographer– Giacomo Pirozzi.

Giacomo Pirozzi is an Italian professional photographer working for UNICEF and other development agencies. Having travelled and photographed in almost 140 countries in Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, Central and Eastern Europe, and Africa, he has published books and has developed a methodology to teach children “Photography” during the process. In the past 10 years he has conducted workshops in over 40 countries including India.

A day long refresher was hosted on school campus for girls from last year’s workshop and girls from the photography club. The refresher showcased girl’s photography work from the last year. Giacomo commended girl’s photography and applauded the school for a very active photography club. 

The girls went out for an hour long shoot later in the day with Giacomo.5 photographs from the shoot were selected and showcased on UNICEF website. The photographs were also showcased at an evening with Giacomo organised by Lucknow Expressions Society in Lucknow.

The 13th convocation of Prerna Girls School on the 10th October, 2015 was a momentous and emotional occasion. It was a good bye and yet not a goodbye for the girls because their Alma mater is not just a school .It is more than a home to them. They leave the school, secure in the knowledge that their dear Urvashi Aunty, their teachers and their friends will be with them as they step out of the loving cocoon of Prerna towards a bright future. For the Principal and staff of Prerna Girls School, it was yet another victory, a proof of their determination to not only educate and empower these girls but also to turn them into change makers, so that they can carry the Prerna legacy forward.

Prerna, meaning ‘inspiration’, lived up to its name yet again. This was apparent when thirteen girls who passed their class 12th NIOS examination from the school were felicitated by Dr Urvashi Sahni who awarded them a scholarship of Rs 5000 each to give them ‘Prerna’ for pursuing their graduation in colleges and universities of their choice. In addition, five girls were awarded Rs 20,000 each to pursue their Masters Degree programs by Dr. Sahni.

The fact that 100% girls have transited to higher education is in itself proof enough that Prerna has succeeded in its mission – however, there are miles to go yet and the commitment of the staff shows no signs of waning. They have years of work already planned out.

The convocation ceremony was in itself a heartwarming experience, both for the girls of the school as well as the dignitaries who graced the occasion.

The girls, dressed in the traditional regalia were visibly excited on the occasion, and displayed a sense of pride and achievement.

The dignitaries present at the convocation came to bless and encourage these girls. These esteemed guests included – Prof. Bharat Bhaskar (Director IIM Lucknow), and Mrs.Nandita  Bhaskar, Mrs.Shanti Sahni,Mr.Sunil Sahni, Mr.Ashwini Malhotra (Weikfield), Mrs. Preeti Malhotra, Mrs.Sunita Aron (Hindustan Times), Mrs.Kunjshri Jauhri, and Prof.Rakesh Chandra.

None of this would have been possible without the teamwork and the selfless support of our sponsors, Dr. Sahni’s tireless efforts and philanthropy and the seamless dedication of the staff of Prerna – not to mention the hard work put in by the girls.