Tag Archives: Press

Study Hall Educational Foundation hosts its 7th Nursery Teacher Training convocation ceremony

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Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) organized the 7th convocation ceremony of its Nursery and Primary Teacher Training (NTT) course. Priya Kakkar, Director of NTT program at SHEF welcomed the gathering and shared the success stories of 18 graduating teachers. She said, “This is an apprenticeship model of training that empowers teachers to acquire teaching skills suited to the needs of the children of the 21st century.” She added, “My heart swells with pride year after year when I share the success stories of the teachers graduating and carving a niche for themselves in the society. I wish that they carry

with them the unique mission of shef and spread it far and wide.” 

Dr Urvashi Sahni, Founder and CEO of SHEF congratulated the teachers and said, “Teachers have the power to direct change, to mold minds and transform people and the society. As teachers, it is our duty to empower students and to educate them for gender equality and social justice to make them active democratic citizens and caring changemakers.”

The NTT trainees are placed in various reputed institutions across Lucknow, such as Seth MR Jaipuria, Kunskapsskolan, Colvin Taluqdaar, Prep School, Study Hall School, Study Hall Educational Foundation, Prerna Girls school, CMS, VIBGYOR (Pune), DPS, City International School. The courses were run at two centers, one at Gomti Nagar and one at Vidyasthali School in Malihabad.

Garima, one of the graduating students shared, “We actually follow so much that we have been  taught here, the Bloom’s taxonomy is an intrinsic part of our lesson planning, concrete to abstract, and so many more concepts now resonate with me when I am actually teaching children.”

Ritu, from Malihabad said, “I have not only acquired many teaching skills but I am observing many beautiful changes in myself. I am much more confident and proactive now.”

Vanshika, “NTT course helped me learn the methods of planned teaching through play and experiments. It gave me the opportunity to learn advanced teaching methods.”

The families of the graduating teachers were present at the ceremony. Dance, poems and stories were the medium chosen by the outgoing batch to share about their one year journey and enriching experiences at Study Hall School. The event ended with a vote of thanks.

International Women’s Day: Boys and men need to change for us to achieve gender justice

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Lucknow: Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) took a very interesting approach for celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8, 2022. They invited an all-men panel in the 42nd Edition of Join the Discussion series and put the focus back on boys and men to answer the question – Why should men give up power and change? 

Anand Chitravanshi, Chief Operating Officer of SHEF said, “This grave inequality cannot and should not exist in a working democracy. Such inequality can only be corrected by a social, political and cultural revolution. As architects, perpetrators, and perpetrators of patriarchy, men need to take a principled egalitarian stand and choose their actions mindfully. The fight for equality will not seek mens’ consent. Men must use their privilege to advocate for women’s dignity, freedom, rights and autonomy. Men must participate in house work and raise their voice against other men who harass, molest and objectify women. Fathers must become role models for their sons.’

Anshumali Sharma, State Liaison Officer, NSS – Uttar Pradesh said, “Patriarchy is the cause of all gender-based violence as it gives unlimited power to men. If we are to create a gender just world, it is important that we address men and boys. We can empower women but if we leave men out of this conversation, we will never achieve equality.”

Founder President and CEO of SHEF Dr Urvashi Sahni, said “We live in a democracy, where every citizen has equal rights. But we have left half the population without that freedom. We have created a society for our daughters that is cruel and unfair to them. And if we are to bring change then we must address men and boys and educate them to deconstruct the patriarchal structures and construct an egalitarian one instead.”

Shivpoojan who is a class 11 student at Prerna Boys School added, “Change begins at home. Men and boys need to change their mindset towards women and girls. They need to understand that we all are equal and have equal rights.”

Ankur Mishra, a teacher at Prerna Boys School said that, “At home, women are restricted by their fathers, brothers and husbands. We must also understand that patriarchy also harms men. We are overburdened by responsibilities. Why not educate, support women and empower and consider them as equals? Our constitution says every citizen is equal, so why are we limiting the lives of women?”

Sharing her feedback for the panel discussion, Sapna Bharti, a government school teacher from Sitapur said, “Women need to raise their boys in the right manner. Teach them how to do household chores, share the burden that usually their sisters would bear. ”

Study Hall School hosts the 9th edition of it’s Model United Nations Virtually

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Lucknow: Study Hall School hosted a two-day Virtual Model United Nations (SHMUN) Human Rights Council on 12 and 13 February 2022. This was the 9th edition of SHMUN hosted by Study Hall where students from prestigious schools in Lucknow were tasked with solving global issues through research, drafting, lobbying and debate to pass a suitable resolution. The 9th edition of SHMUN discussed the escalating humanitarian crisis in Myanmar with the arrival of Military rule and third wave of Covid.

Dron Pande, a student of class 11 at Study Hall said, “Study Hall’s Model UN this year was action packed. We hosted four committees this year and all of them were a huge success. For me, as a 11 grader, organizing a Model UN was a monumental task and I was grateful for the support from the teachers. This was an amazing experience and we hope to hold many more events in the same fashion.” Dron was the Director General of SHMUN this year.

Principal Meenakshi Bahadur said, “Once again Study Hall’s Model UN was a huge success. It’s also a great opportunity for students from other schools to work together, identify the issues and find solutions for the agenda they are assigned.”

Students from various schools like La Martiniere Girls’ School and La Martiniere College, Prerna Girls School participated in the conference. Keeping in view the model of the UN, the event was planned for two days to accommodate all the procedures that could be followed explicitly and students to come up with relevant and applicable solutions. SHMUN is a student simulation of the proceedings of the United Nations, where Students, referred to as Delegates, are assigned a country to represent in one of the UN’s numerous committees with pre-set topics to debate. They research the background of their country, their country’s position on the topics at hand, and prepare notes on possible solutions to the problems faced. Students then convene at Model UN conferences, to debate their assigned topics with students representing the other UN member states. Much like the real UN, the goal is to identify solutions, by negotiation and consensus, on which many countries can agree. The students take on the roles of delegates, speakers, and chairs. The entire process and discussion takes place under formal ‘Rules of Procedure’ to truly model the format of the UN.

Study Hall School Convocation – Children should pursue excellence and success will follow: Ashok Ganguly at Study Hall Convocation

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Study Hall School organized its Convocation Ceremony on Wednesday, 29 December. Ashok Ganguly, Ex-Chairman CBSE Board and Advisor State Resource Center (SRC) was the chief guest for the occasion. The ceremony facilitated 250 students of class 10 and 12.

The chief guest, Ashok Ganguly motivated the students and the parents present at the ceremony. He said “Congratulations to all the students graduating this year. It has been a tough year for all. You all have braved the challenges of the pandemic and have done so well. Children you all should pursue excellence and success will follow.”

The programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the Chief Guest, along with all the heads of different units of SHEF (Study Hall Educational Foundation). Academic procession of teachers and students was carried out to honour the hard work.

The Principal, Meenakshi Bahadur, extended a warm welcome to all the guests, “I welcome you all to celebrate the hard work and achievements of our children. The last two years have been difficult for everyone, especially for our children. This shift from classroom to online medium was tough for all, and our children have once again exceeded our expectations with such brilliant results.”  

Tasneem, an alumna of Study Hall said, “My teachers were great at mentoring me throughout the course. Even during the pandemic, academics, life skills and co-curricular activities were still a part of our classes. As a product of this unique pedagogy, I share my success with my parents, school, principal, teachers and peers.” Tasneem is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree from St Stephen’s College, Delhi.

The chief guest was invited to felicitate the meritorious students of the batch 2020-2021. The graduating batch was conferred with medals and certificates for their achievements. A short cultural programme, which included an inspirational song and dance, enthralled the audience. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by the Vice-Principal, Meenakshi Shah.

Climate Warriors 2021: 22 schools, over 13,000 children come together to raise awareness on climate crisis

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Lucknow: Inspiring action on climate issues, Study Hall School, Prerna Girls School and Center For Learning organised the culmination ceremony of a unique inter-school competition – Climate Warriors 2021. 22 schools, 13800 children from Lucknow, Barabanki and Jaipur participated in the competitions. The event was organized in partnership with the British Council and Scottish Youth Theatre under the Conference of the Parties (COP26) banner. Climate Warriors was organized in accordance with the 13th Sustainable Development Goal set up by the United Nations. All the three organiser schools are a unit of Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF).

Priya Kakkar, event coordinator said, “It was exciting to see all these young minds bring their creativity to make the competitions a success. The idea was to engage children and youth and spread awareness about the climate crisis. These children have worked on brilliant projects to bring about change through small but effective solutions to climate change issues.”

Viraj, a student of class 9 at Study Hall said, “Climate change is real, we all need to take this seriously. We are responsible for it and it is our duty to make sure that we work to find solutions to this crisis. It was a great opportunity for all of us to learn and work together.” Study Hall School, Vidyasthali Kanar Inter College, Prerna Girls School, City international School Manas City, Modern Academy, were among the top schools who won laurels in various categories. 

From drama to arts to memes, children raised awareness about the climate crisis through these competitions. Earlier in March 2021, Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) qualified for Phone Call to the World – a collaborative project created to mobilize youth to take actions regarding climate issues. Youth from England, India, Palestine, Scotland and South Africa collaborated to create digital performance work to draw attention to climate change issues through artistic means. Phone Call to the World is one of the 17 global projects commissioned by the British Council to sensitize the world about the environmental crisis through performing arts and digital technology. The event ended with prize distribution and vote of thanks.

International Day of Persons with Disability: Special assembly organised by special children at DOSTI

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Lucknow: A special assembly celebrating the International Day of Disabled Persons was organised at DOSTI – Study Hall. Surabhi Kapoor, principal of DOSTI said, “I am grateful for all the support I get from the parents and my teachers. Together we have created a safe and inclusive space for our special children to continue to learn according to their pace, realize their best potential and become independent and successfully integrated into the society. It is so heartening to see all them grow and become so confident.”

The event was organised to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilizing   support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities to thrive in an inclusive society.

The event started with a speech by Sahil Singh, an alumn of DOSTI school, who completed class 12 in 2019 and is currently working as Assistant Coach in Special Olympics Sports and Yoga in Study Hall School. Special children performed a play on ‘Inclusion’ highlighting the need for creating inclusive educational spaces to provide special children with an appropriate learning opportunity to reach their potential.

Dr Shobha Khanduri, one of the parents, shared their experience with the audience, “Me and my husband both are doctors and have a really hectic schedule. Satvik has shown tremendous improvements and has become tech savvy. We are thankful for the continuous support from DOSTI teachers, who have not just empowered our children but us as well.” Satvik is a child with Autism studying at DOSTI.

DOSTI is a unit of Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) and has been working for the last 16 years to educate special children and is among Uttar Pradesh’s first and still handful of schools to integrate children with physical, mental and learning disabilities in the age group of 2-21 years into mainstream education.

The event was further made colourful by the poems and presentation by DOSTI children along with children from Study Hall School with an effort to raise awareness around disability and how every individual can contribute to create an inclusive society for persons with disability.

Vidyasthali holds convocation for students of 2020 and 2021

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Vidyasthali Kanar Inter College, a unit of Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) held its Convocation Ceremony for the graduating batches of 2020 and 2021. IB Singh, Senior Advocate, Allahabad High Court, Lucknow Bench was the chief guest on the occasion. The principal of the school Anusha Sharma welcomed the audience and congratulated the students on their success. She also added, “Over the years, Vidyasthali has become a community transformation hub. Our students have once again made us proud and today we celebrate their success.”

The ceremony started with the academic procession of teachers and students. The school choir sang Rangeel Bharat along with the students performing poems. The students of batches 2020 and 2021 were awarded by the chief guest, I B Singh, Dr Urvashi Sahni, founder and CEO of SHEF and Shibani Sahni.

Mr I B Singh said, “I started my education in a rural school, and Vidyasthali has set an example for other schools to follow. These children are so confident and smart. They can easily give competition to children from any urban private school. I want to congratulate the principal, the teachers and the students for all the hard work they put in.”

Dr Urvashi Sahni, founder and CEO of SHEF said, “Firstly I want to thank and congratulate all the parents present here. It is heartening to see the trust you have in our school and our teachers. It is with your support that our students have yet again given such remarkable performances. I urge our students, especially girls, to work hard and follow their dreams.”

Priyanshi, an alum of Vidyasthali said, “My school is a universe of care. We are welcomed here with our lives and our problems. After completing my class 12, my family faced a financial crunch and I was unable to continue my higher education. My principal and my teachers supported me and I got a job as a GyanSetu teacher. I am now pursuing my Bachelors in Computer Application from Study Hall College.” Priyanshi also runs digital literacy classes at her GyanSetu center in Nabipanah.

The ceremony also facilitated 38 children who completed their Digital Literacy course at GyanSetu centers. There are 23 GyanSetu centers in and around Malihabad. GyanSetu (a unit of SHEF) centers are small, intimate learning support centers in rural and urban pockets where poverty, gender and caste intersect to prevent children from going to school. Children (predominantly girls) who are out of school and at high-risk of harm go through an accelerated learning program that enables them to enroll in formal schools.

The event ended with the National Anthem and a vote of thanks.

Rendered out of school by pandemic, two children win quiz contest

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Lucknow: In a one of a kind Quiz Competition – out of school children from six districts of Uttar Pradesh participated and in the end two children – Satyam and Muskan from Peernagar Village of Sitapur emerged as winners. 

GyanSetu centers are hubs of community transformation, spread across six districts of Uttar Pradesh – Lucknow, Sitapur, Unnao, Barabanki, Ayodhya and Pratapgarh. Currently 104 such centers educate over 3000 out-of-school children by pacing their learning with an aim to transition them to formal schooling. GyanSetu centers also include community members to create a sustainable and caring support system for first generation learners. This is done with the help of local grassroot leaders and NGOs.

This Quiz Competition was organised by the GyanSetu Program of Study Hall Educational Foundation. The chief guest of the occasion was Sunita Rai, Child Development Project Officer of Lucknow. “It is very heartening to see children performing so well in such a tough quiz competition. This is a great way for them to learn and grow.”

“The aim of this quiz was to give the children an opportunity to showcase their talent and also visit the city and see how a good school functions. We want to build aspiration in our GyanSetu children”, said Anand Chitravanshi, the Chief Operating Officer of Study Hall Educational Foundation.

“I am very glad to see that the parents of our GyanSetu children have turned up in such good numbers. It is very important that we learn to perceive ourselves as equals – man or woman, poor or rich, educated or uneducated – all of us have one vote in our democracy and all of us are equal”, said Dr Urvashi Sahni, President and CEO of Study Hall Educational Foundation. “Our teachers worked really hard with us and we are so happy to make them proud. We have been preparing for the contest since October. My parents and my community will be happy to see us with our winning medals,” said Muskan, student at GyanSetu Peernagar center who won the contest along with Satyam.

DOSTI school organizes selection camp for Special Olympic Bharat

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DOSTI, a unit of Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) is all set to organise a one day selection camp of handball, roller skating and basketball for Special Olympic Bharat Uttar Pradesh on Saturday 30.10.21 at Study Hall campus. With a participation of over 50 special children from various schools in Lucknow and Kanpur. The children who will be selected in handball in this camp will be going to Agra in December for the Handball Championship and the children selected for skating will be representing in the National Championship of Skating held in Odissa and Telangana in January.
Surbhi Kapoor, principal DOSTI says, “We are really excited to host this secession process and hope children do well. Children have been practicing and preparing all this time and we would love to see them represent at the state and national level championship.” In the past many students from DOSTI have represented Uttar Pradesh at state level championships for various sports events. For the last 15 years, DOSTI has been providing a safe, inclusive and supportive environment to children with special needs to grow, along with services like Early intervention, Psychological and Education assessment, Occupational Therapy, Behaviour Therapy, Counselling/parental counselling, Programme planning for special children/parents.  DOSTI was founded in 2005, is among UP’s first and very few schools to integrate children with physical, mental and learning disabilities in the age group of 2-21 years into mainstream education. 

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