FROM LEARNING OUTCOMES TO LIFE OUTCOMES

Posted on by

What Can You Do and Who Can You Be?
A Case Study in Girls’ Education in India

This paper provides an important reflection on the direction of the global education discourse by examining in-depth a case of girls’ education in India. I argue that while in the last year, there has been much progress in moving the global education discourse from inputs (enrollment and parity) to outcomes (learning), this welcome movement does not go far enough. In order to seriously meet the goal of gender equality the global discourse must go beyond numbers and embrace a life-outcomes approach. I first provide a theoretical framework for understanding global education, reviewing the status of global education policy and discourse with special reference to its connection to gender equality. I argue that simply providing access does not lead to empowerment. Gender equality is a goal in its own right. Mere access to schools will not lead to gender equality, nor will an education that does not make empowerment of girls and gender equality its central focus. I then provide an in-depth case study of empowerment education in India that uses critical feminist pedagogy in order to help girls examine gendered power structures and serves girls’ needs by shifting the focus from learning outcomes to life outcomes. I conclude with key recommendations for girls’ education globally and in India.

Prerna Story on NPR Global Girls Eduation: Breaking Down Barriers

Posted on by

It used to be that, in many parts of the world, educating a girl was not only a low priority but was prevented by social customs or economic pressures. Now, in areas such as sub-Saharan Africa, India and war-torn areas such as Syria, girls are beginning to get a secondary school, and sometimes even, a college education. On this edition of America Abroad, we will celebrate the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the young Pakistani woman who is an activist for female education (Malala Yousafzai) and hear the reactions to that award from girls and women in oppressed places including Pakistan. We have a report of a girl in rural India who suffered brutal beatings by her father but clung to her desire to get an education. We’ll hear first-person reports of girls in Kenya who resisted their families’ efforts to sell them off as a child bride so that they could get an education. And we’ll examine the value of madrassas in educating girls in places like sub-Saharan Africa.

DANDIYA NITE – 2014

Posted on by

Great schools always have something unrivalled, something unique. At Study Hall,it is the ‘Dandiya Nite’ which is unmatched anywhere in Lucknow. This much awaited event was held on Saturday 18 Oct 2014.

Full of fun and frolic, this evening was inaugurated by Dr Urvashi Sahni with the traditional lighting of the lamp.

‘Garba’ the dance form of Gujarat was rhythmically performed by the students of all age groups to a roaring appalause.While Bhavna and Chetna aunties regaled everyone with their witty remarks over the mike, it was at the dance floor where all the action was taking place. Dressed in their finery, the students and teachers took to the dance floor with a vengeance. Lively music by the DJ added to the mirth and gaiety. Their enthusiasm was such that even Dr Urvashi Sahni the CEO, Shalini Sinha, the Principal and Meenakshi Bahadur, the VP could not remain unaffected. They joined others on the dance floor much to the delight of everyone.

A number of food stalls with mouth watering delicacies ensured that no one went hungry and could recharge before they went for a dance again.

The Principal went around ensuring that the ‘Swacch Bharat Abiyaan’ was kept in mind despite the dance frenzy.

Before this glorious event came to a close, prizes were given away to the best dressed student, teacher and the best dancer.

PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION – 2014

Posted on by

EXHIBITION OF ISSUE BASED PHOTOGRAPHS

Members of the photography club of Prerna Girls’ School put up an exhibition of their photographs in Study Hall School on the occasion of The International Day Of The Girl Child, October 11. UNICEF had sponsored a photography workshop for these girls and also gifted cameras to them.

The exhibition showcased not only the technical skills but also their sensitivity and their unique perception of the world around them .A large number of Study Hall parents along with students and staff members of Prerna and Study Hall visited the exhibition.  The girls, proudly wearing their club badges, interacted with them and clicked photographs. Noted educationist, Dr. Amrita Dass and ace photographer Mr. Ravi Kapoor appreciated the display and praised the girls’ efforts.

CLEAN LUCKNOW

Posted on by

REPORT ON THE SANITATION DRIVE BY STUDY HALL STUDENTS

  1. On Monday, i.e. 29th, 100 students of Std. 7 and 8 approached 100+ residents staying in the vicinity of the school and convinced them to sign up for giving their garbage to the Nagar Nigam people, as that garbage gets recycled; whereas, the individuals who collect garbage from houses throw then on the road side. If they are able to spread the message, it might help in making Lucknow clean.
  2. When the school reopens on the 9th of October, we will be getting all our children to take this drive to their own localities so that the whole of Lucknow they might be able to impact.
  3. A two-member team from Sulabh International Delhi conducted two-day workshop for 100 students selected form std. 7 to 10. They have helped the school to start a sanitation club which will be, on a regular basis, conducting drives in slum areas in order to make them aware of the importance of sanitation process. They have invited a few students of ours for the World Toilet Convention in New Delhi next month. Sulabh International will make the stay and all arrangements. A few students from the convention will be chosen for the international convention to be held in Kathmandu some time later.

VOLLEYBALL MATCH 2014

Posted on by

On 30 th September, students of Class VIII hosted a Volleyball Match between teachers and students. The funds raised will be used to purchase dustbins with three sections- one for paper, one for biodegradable and one for non bio degradable waste. These dustbins will be put up in all the corridors of the school.

Prerna Convocation 2015

Posted on by

The 12th convocation of Prerna Girls School on the 8th August, 2014 was a momentous and emotional occasion. It was a tearful goodbye for some of the girls of and for others, who wanted to maintain their ties with their alma mater, it was simply farewell – farewell till they meet again. However, for the principal and staff of Prerna Girls School it was yet another victory, proof of their determination to pursue their mission to educate and empower as many girls as they possibly could with a doggedness seemingly known only to them – even in their limited financial circumstances.
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 facilitated by Dr Urvashi Sahni who awarded them a scholarship of Rs 5000 each to pursue 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 these girls are pursuing their 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 weaning. They have years of work already planned out ahead of time.

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, some were gleefully waiting for the moment of truth while some were tearfully preparing to bid goodbye to their alma mater but everyone present there displayed a sense of pride and achievement.

The dignitaries present at the convocation took the trouble of making time for the program despite their busy schedules to support and encourage these girls. These esteemed guests included; Mr. Jayant Krishnan (TCS), and Begum Habibullah, Mr. Atul Kumar (Unicef), Mr. R. K. Mittal (IAS Retd). The sponsors of many of these girls were also represented by Ms Chinar Garg from IIML Bhavishya.

None of this would be possible without teamwork and the selfless financial 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 – Kudos to one and all!