NIOS, the world’s largest open school which offers diverse and flexible education.” said Dr. Piyush Prasad, Regional Director NIOS, Prayagraj

Lucknow: “NIOS, the world’s largest open school which offers diverse and flexible education. Congratulations to children and the teachers for such a great result. To the students, remember, there’s no shortcut to success; your hard work brought you here.” said Dr. Piyush Prasad Regional Director, NIOS Regional Center, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh who was the chief guest who was the chief guest at the convocation ceremony of  Prerna Girls’ & Boys’ School, and Center for Learning School (CFL), unit of the Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) on Friday September 8. The guest of honour at the ceremony was, Ms Priti Jhunjhunwala, Founder of Helping Hands.The guest of honour at the ceremony was Ms Priti Jhunjhunwala, Founder of Helping Hands. 

The event felicitated 85 girls and 41 boys who excelled in the NIOS board examinations for classes 10 and 12, receiving the prestigious Late Sundari Devi Kapoor Memorial Scholarship. Additionally, 45 former Prerna girls pursuing higher education were awarded the Late Rajendra Mohini Satpal Malhotra Memorial Scholarship. 

Principal Rakhi Panjwani initiated the program, congratulating students for their outstanding achievements and expressing gratitude to parents for their unwavering support. The event commenced with a presentation of ‘Mangalam’ by the students.

Ms Priti Jhunjhunwala while congratulating the students said “Prerna, as its name suggests, is a beacon of hope. Each and every child here is an architect of change, and I am delighted to witness such brilliant minds.Such brilliant minds”

Ms Pratima Srivastava Principal, Center for Learning said  “At SHEF, we firmly believe that every child is invaluable, deserving love, care, and a reason to smile. Today, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the students, many of whom I’ve had the privilege of working closely with over the years. I am confident that each one of you will uphold SHEF’s values and evolve to be respectful individuals.”

Ms Pratima Srivastava Principal, Center for Learning said  “At SHEF, we firmly believe that every child is invaluable, deserving love, care, and a reason to smile. Today, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the students, many of whom I’ve had the privilege of working closely with over the years. I am confident that each one of you will uphold SHEF’s values and evolve to be respectful individuals.”

Dr Urvashi Sahni, Founder & CEO, of SHEF also congratulated the students and said, “This is your first step towards success and I know that there will be many hurdles that you all will face but you should always know that you have the support of your teachers and parents. Prerna School and CFL play a pivotal role in molding students into well-rounded, empowered individuals. We are committed to inspiring every student to take charge of their destinies.”

During the academic year 2022-2023, students in the 12th and 10th grades excelled with outstanding scores.The felicitation ceremony commenced by honoring the highest-achieving students, such as Dipika Sahu and Geeta from Prerna Girls School, who attained an impressive 84%. Nishant Rawat, a student at Prerna Boys School who secured a remarkable 89%. Furthermore, Ishita Patel, from CFL (Center for Learning School),who not only secured 84.6% but also became the school’s Topper. Afterwards, the ceremony acknowledged and celebrated the accomplishments of all deserving students.

Seema Nisha, a former student of Prerna School, expressed, “Prerna is truly unique. The school embraces children coming from challenging backgrounds and the teachers not only provide education but also offer unwavering support, guiding through every obstacle teaching them to be resilient and empowering them to achieve their dreams. My sisters and I are very proud to be a part of Prerna”

The ceremony culminated with a dance performance and a gracious vote of thanks.

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

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.

Teachers Day Celebration virtually

Happy Teachers’ Day

Welcoming all to the celebrations of 5th September’20, Teachers’ Day. The students utilized the day to express their heartfelt gratitude and thankfulness towards their teachers through a virtual presentation. As is the ritual of Study Hall, the head girl of school Deepanshi Verma, adorned as the principal Meenakshi Bahadur aunty and the vice head girl Gaurisha Prakash, as vice principal Meenakshi Shah Aunty started the morning assembly with usual meditation and the vice head boy Aryaman Shukla, that day transformed into Rajesh sir, the yoga teacher @Study Hall headed the yoga session. The head boy Kushagra Trivedi entitled the teachers as the unsung heroes, and it’s worth it, all those moments they asking the students to switch on the cameras, permission for PDF in drives, responding to the questions, while the students sometimes choose to stay silent; thanked them for adapting to the virtual medium so well and making the teams classes as any other reality class. Thereafter Sherlock Holmes and James Watson, the comparers for the day (detective theme) opened the show, which was mostly pre-recorded and displayed through screen share on zoom, and invited the students of standard 6th and 7th to present their dance on peppy and fun numbers. It was enchanting to see the little ones hop and rock on the screen and how the teachers wished they were relishing the event physically in the school campus. Nevertheless there was no compromise from the student body in putting up a great show. The pair of detective friends handed over the microphone to batman and robin, who sadly drew the former’s vehicle into an accident and so the conversation moved on to listening and respecting elders and specifically teachers. Why? Due to 3 reasons- firstly if students are smart, teachers are double smart, next for the amount of hard work they put in and manage their job and homes both, and last teachers have since ancient times been the superior figures even where god stands in comparison, all of these creatively visualized and presented by the students of 8th and 9th in a skit. Next the celebration had Dana Scully and Fox Mulder from FBI opened the floor for riddles where the teachers were required to move the detective minds in them and ace the games. Then again the legends Feluda and Byomkesh, the celebrated detectives came on screen and introduced the music video prepared by the musicians of 10th and 11th. The audience was swaying and tip toeing to their tune, mesmerized, praised by Nancy Drew and the Hardy boys as well. And last but not the least, standard 12th put up yet another comical dance-drama to make their last teachers’ day in school memorable for their teachers. They took the reality of their virtual classes to the skit, mixed with additional comedy, intertwined with dance to portray the situation, garnished with emotions! And with a thank you note from all the students and Meenakshi aunty herself for making the celebration possible on virtual platform, the day came to an end. With all due respect and love, HAPPY TEACHERS’ DAY.

Bringing life to canvas

On 8th November, Study Hall Educational Foundation’s Center for Learning (CFL) inaugurated their 3-day Arts and Crafts Exhibition. A total of 47 craft items and 30 paintings made by students on the theme ‘Srijan- creativity of life’ were showcased on the first day of the exhibition. The event was inaugurated by Mrs. Madhavi Kukreja, founder of Sanatkada along with the principal of CFL Ms Pratima Srivastava.

Madhvi Kukreja praised the children for their hard work and said, “I thoroughly enjoyed the exhibition, it’s such an amazing display of creativity and young talent.”

The exhibition aims to promote and celebrate young talents and motivate them to enhance their imaginations.The principal Ms Pratima Srivastava said, “We encourage and help our children to explore their creativity and this exhibition celebrates the talented young artists and craftsmen in our school.”
The children prepared the art and craft works under the supervision of the art and crafts teachers Anamika, Roshni and Manisha. The parents were also invited to the exhibition.

Make education, not marriage your goal

Study Hall Educational Foundation organized a panel discussion on the occasion of International Day of The Girl Child. The topic of this discussion was ‘Shadi Ek Matr Lakshya Nahi hai ladki ke jeevan ka’. Children of Prerna Girls School, Prerna Boys School and the alumni of Prerna Girls school were among the panelist.

Sapna Bharti a student of Prerna Girls School asked the parents, “To think about the dreams they had when they were kids, and what have they accomplished in their lives?” Majority of the parents of Prerna girls’, specially the mothers were married at an early age. 

Dr Urvashi Sahni addressed the parents and said, “We as parents need to realize that marriage is not the goal of girl’s life and we need stop seeing our girls as burden. They have every right to make decisions about their lives just like our boys. So, let them choose.”  

Moni Kannuajia, an alumna of Prerna said, “Marriage is not security. The society needs to change its notion of security. Many married women are raped, killed and are victims of domestic violence.”

Preeti Verma, an alumna of Prerna Girls School says, “As a married woman I want to tell you that marriage can be a part of your life but not the goal of your life. Being educated, independent and making your dreams come true should be the goal of your life.”

Tarun, a student of class 10th, Prerna Boys School said, “Girls have all the right to live their lives as they want, and we as men need to support them, encourage them. We need to stop this gender discrimination and make our homes and streets safe for our girls, then only our nation will succeed.”

The students of Prerna performed a play on the theme of the panel discussion. The core of this discussion was to make parents aware that marriage is not the goal of a girl’s life and that marriage cannot give security to their daughters. What will give them security is getting educated, knowing their rights and being independent.

Students of Prerna were also felicitated at the event. Aditi a student of Prerna will be competing in the nationals in the taekwondo championship, and 4 of Prerna girls have are on the national team which will represent India in Sweden next year.

Center for Learning convocation ceremony

Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) felicitated the children of Center For Learning (CFL) for successful completion of their NIOS Board Examinations. CFL is an initiative of SHEF started in 2013 to educate children with multiple intelligence. It doesn’t adhere to the traditional education system, providing children with diverse learning needs through a flexible access to quality education.

Little ones dazzle Jashan-E-Bachpan

Day 1

Bachpan, that is childhood- the golden period of every individual’s life span, was being celebrated at the Study Hall Junior School on 24th and 25th of July 2019 ! Kidoos from 15 schools participated in this competition to savour their elated and merry days up to the brim! childhood means simplicity and hence simple but inventive games were organised for the festival. on the first day, there were 232 contestants in total of 8 events. before the activities, the inauguration was carried out by the Junior School headmistress Mrs. Bani Malhotra and the principal of Study hall school Mrs. Shalini Sinha with the planting of a tree. unconventional, but why not after all plants are our saviours. The headmistress addressed the participants and inspired them to compete with their own selves rather than competing with other schools.
 Succeeding this cheerful start, the first event to come was Just A Minute, not the usual JAM but a relay race in it! each team had to pass several stages like using plastic clips to drop the Pom-poms into the glasses, arranging the flashy plastic eggs in the egg trays while following the colour code, the buttons were waiting to be dropped into the glasses with the help of a straw and lastly they had to weave a necklace using straw pieces! The champion of this uncommon relay world the brain of boys and the runner up was Study Hall (loud cheers) then in queue was a game called Turn-O-Turn. It tested the children’s mathematical solving, logical reasoning and sequential arrangements. In this buzz quiz of brain racking, the conquerors of the first position were the geniuses of Jaipuria and the second position was occupied by the brainstormers of CMS! Fold to Mould, as the name suggests was about folding the papers to bring out their idea of nature through origami. This event was won by Study Hall with DPS at the second position! Colour Pool with a Foot Stool was about painting a wodden stool in pairs in an hour. This event was free of theme and was won by the artists of Study Hall, followed by the Vibgyor School! Unfold the Mystery test the kids’ grammatical skills. Each letter of the secret message was unfolded with a correct answer sheet. Study Hall acheived the 1st prize by unfolding all the letters that said WELL DONE!
Then arrived the Hindi events including poem recitation, flexibility depiction through yoga performance in pairs and speaking on a topic which was provided on the spot.
This was not the end, our special and differently-abled friends too put up a great performance. They tip-tap-toed to the music in their beautiful costumes! It filled the spectators with happiness to see them celebrating their childhood, unhindered by any disability! With this the  day 1 of the event came ta an end!

Day 2

On the 25th of July 2019, the ‘Jashn-E-Bachpan’ celebration of childhood progressed into its second day with twice the vigour. Enchanting events like, ‘Visitors from Fairyland’ where winsome children dressed up as fairy tale characters with reversed genders, were held. Dance, theatre and musical events like ‘Sound of Music’ (Retro style western music group singing), ‘Tarangani’ (Indian music group singing), ‘Sound of Silence’ (miming) and ‘Dharohar’ (Folk dance) took place. Testing the students’ creativity, events such as ‘Verse-E-Style’ (dramatic poem recitation), ‘Link-it-Up’ (Creating an Advertisement) and ‘Play with Clay’ (Clay modelling) were also held. Study Hall bagged nearly all prizes except ‘Play with Clay’ (CMS Gomtinagar) and ‘Tarangani ‘(Sacred Hearts). The Final Trophy was in the hands of CMS Gomtinagar. The specially-abled children had great fun in events such as ‘Non-flame cooking’ (DOSTI), ‘Rhythmic yoga’ (Asha Awaa), ‘Fun with colours’ (DOSTI) and ‘Play with clay’ (Asha Awaa). The Final Trophy was awarded to Asha Awaa. Jashn-E-Bachpan 2019 ended with high spirits and infectious smiles.
 

Yuva Manch 2019

On the 12th and the 13th of July, Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) organised its theatre festival – ‘Natyotsav at Sant Gadge Auditorium. Natyotsav’s ‘Yuva Manch’, which is a platform for promoting theatre among students. Since 2006, our foundation is offering various theatrical productions. The chief guest of the event was the founder of Study Hall Educational Foundation, Dr Urvashi Sahni.

The program highlighted three major plays performed by units of SHEF. It opened with ‘Sara Ka Sara Aasman’, performed by the students and alumni of Study Hall School, Prerna Girls School and Prerna Boys School. The play was about a Pakistani poetess, portraying how she loses her mind fighting the patriarchy present in most of the countries in the Indian sub-continent to pursue her passion for writing. A drama, ‘Soch Rahi Hoon’, presented by students of Vidyasthali Kanar Inter College, Malihabad, portrayed a modern-day woman who stood up against the ‘dowry practices’. The students of Prerna Girls School and Prerna Boys School enacted a poem, ‘Meri Duniya Ke Tamam Bacche’, which was about how the children across the globe can change the world if we teach them, how they can erase the differences among the nations if we let them, and how they can bring peace that the world needs. A dance performance by students of Center for Learning (CFL) ‘Sapna’, showing young dreamers.

Dr Sahni addressed the audience, saying, “Drama is a very important part of education. It provides children a safe space to rehearse life and learn to think critically, which leads to personality development.”

At the core of all these programs, the issues women face was brought to light. The audience appreciated the acting of the children. The program concluded with a vote of thanks.

English Access Micro scholarship Program’s joining ceremony and alumni reconnect

Study Hall Educational Foundation organized an opening ceremony and alumni reconnect of the English Access Micro-scholarship Program. The students were awarded certificates. Vidyasthali, Prerna and Study Hall College students shared their experiences, what they learned and how the program has brought the change in their personality and their lives.

Access is a 2 year intensive English language program funded by the U.S Department of State for youth around the world.

Maria Snarski, Regional English Language officer, Embassy of the United States of America told the students, “It’s not just a fun way to learn English; it gives you so much more than English. The things you learn in the Access program is going to stay with you forever, build your confidence and enhance your personality.”

The alumni welcomed the coming batch of Access Program and wished them luck.

Convocation held at Center For Learning

Study Hall Educational Foundation had organized its Convocation for their Center for Learning (CFL) unit on Thursday, November 1, 2018, to felicitate the students who have successfully cleared their 10th and 12th NIOS examination. Mrs. Lalita Pradeep, Additional Director, Basic Education, Uttar Pradesh government graced the occasion as chief guest. Center for Learning was founded on 1st July 2013 which aim to help children cope with academic pressures of the centralized board, CFL paces the curriculum for its students with the help of open school program.

The Ceremony started with an Academic procession and welcome speech by the principal Dr. Pratima Srivastava. “Center for Learning bridges the gap between students learning needs and our education system with the help of NIOS. We aim to create a collaborative learning environment in our classrooms to enable children to develop freely at their own pace”, said, Principal, Study Hall Center for Learning.

The ceremony continued with Hindi song and instrumental performance by students. Students were felicitated and were congratulated on this occasion.

Addressing the convocation, Chief Guest Pratima Pradeep, congratulated the students for their accomplishment and wished them luck for the new inning of their life. She added Study Hall defines the real meaning of education. Along with education it expands the personalities and nurtures the soul.

On this Occasion, Dr. Urvashi Sahni blessed the students and appreciated them for their hard work and congratulated them for their success. She shared her journey. She also said Study hall has created a happy culture here, we believed dancing, singing, drama, painting everything is part of learning. Study Hall has just expand the definition of academics. At last, she said “Every Student is a champion”

The students shared their stories. Sakshi Rastogi, school topper who is pursuing BJMC from Bennett University, Noida shared about her experience in school and said “Center for Learning gave me all the support and care that I needed. It built confidence in me. I want to give the credit to the Center for Learning.” Also, Amisha Jain, pursuing a professional course in choreography from Devi Dance Academy said, “Being a member of Center for Learning, I experienced a whole world full of life, activities, and knowledge, which helped me in exploring my capabilities and shaping my career”.

The program concluded with the delightful dance performance and Nation Anthem. The overall environment was full of joy, rejoice and celebrations. Students dressed in traditional regalia were visibly excited on the occasion and displayed a sense of pride and achievement.