‘Prerna Boys’ – a school for the under privileged boys is an endeavor of the Study Hall Foundation. It was started in July 2009 as an afternoon school in the Prep School with 50 boys and three teachers. The present strength is 85. The classes held here are Nursery, Prep, Classes I, II and III. Each child is given a snack everyday- it boosts attendance.
Our main aim is to educate those boys, who for some reasons are not attending schools and are whiling away their time- loitering about and getting into bad habits. Vulnerable as they are, they can easily be lured into nefarious activities.
These boys come from a background where ‘gender bias’ is very dominant. Hence by their virtue of being boys they are a pampered lot. They are not expected to share household responsibilities; rather parents often give them money to splurge around. Consequently they are an easy prey to bad habits. Speaking foul language, making incorrect remarks and gestures- all this comes naturally to them, as they have grown up in circumstances, which were perhaps not in their control.
Besides academics, emphasis is given on value teaching as well. They must know the difference between right and wrong. Most of them are first generation students; therefore it is a daunting task for the teachers to counsel them along with their parents. Hence, Parent Teacher meetings are held regularly. Wherein parents are encouraged and motivated to share their problems and doubts without hesitation. Teachers strive hard to connect with the parents and make them feel secure and confident that their wards are being well supported, guided and are in safe hands. Moving ahead with parental cooperation and help, we have certainly come a long way. Peer counseling works wonders too !They are very receptive to it – an interesting sight to watch our boys explaining to their friends about the negativity of bad habits. The boys now value whatever they are learning and achieving. Positive changes in their behavior and general outlook are definitely on the rise. It is this that encourages us to continue with our work with a missionary zeal. Needless to say that this is just the beginning, there are many more to be taken care of.
We are managing with our fairly small funds. It is our earnest request to extend a helping hand to our cause so that we able to take many such boys in our fold.