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.