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.