Tag Archives: Press

Get Set Go: GyanSetu celebrates 10 years of educating out of school children

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Lucknow: Gyansetu, a unit of Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) organized its first sports day on Tuesday, March 14th at K.D Singh Babu Stadium. Over 680 children participated from six districts from 70 distinct locations. The sports meet was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Mr. Ajay Singh, Principal, District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) along with the founder and CEO of SHEF, Dr. Urvahsi Sahni. Founded in 2011, GyanSetu has completed 10 years.

The event started with the zone display march followed by an invigorating yoga performance by the children. The highlight of the event was the hoop drill. The event was a mix of drills and races, and other PT displays. Taekwondo and tug-of-war races were the highlights of the day. The students were very excited about the relay events and obstacle races these events got the loudest cheers. 

Mr. Ajay Singh appreciated the hard work of children and teachers and said, “Children should be encouraged to participate in sports and more parents should let their children, especially girls, pursue sports as a career. Extracurricular activities are imperative for a child’s holistic development.” 

Dr Urvashi Sahni said, “We are thrilled to see our children perform so well. It’s an amazing experience for our children and this is the first time they are on field and have done so well. Through GyanSetu, we aim to educate every child, who for some reason has dropped out of school.”

GyanSetu is a cluster of community education centers in low-income communities and migrant labor colonies for out-of-school children. Currently, SHEF has 139 centers catering to over 4000 children in six districts of Uttar Pradesh. The GyanSetu program runs Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers, Primary centers, Digital literacy centers, Adult literacy centers, and a skill development center.

The sports event ended with the prize distribution and an energetic performance from Prerna Girls students. 

Photo courtesy: DSH Team

“Education is the only way we can empower women and educate the society to see them as equals,” says Mr. Sushil Chandrabhan, SSP

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Sitapur: Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) organized an event ‘Gair barabari ke Khilaf Pakhwada’ engaging students and teachers from 43 government run upper primary schools of Laharpur block in Sitapur. This event is being conducted in order to raise awareness among boys about gender inequality and to help them become advocates of gender justice in the school and communities. The guests for the occasion were SSP Sushil Ghule Chandrabhan, Block Education Officer Shaheen Ansari, One Stop Centre in charge Deepika Ji, the member of Child Welfare Committee Sanjay Ji, and Laharpur thana in charge Rajeev Ji.

Sushil Ghule Chandrabhan said, “It is very important for women to become independent and take decisions about their life. Education is the only way we can empower women and educate the society to see them as equals.” 

Priyanka Saxena, Program manager of Aarohini Initiative said, “If we want equality and our country to progress, boys and men need to become advocates of gender justice and become active participants in building an egalitarian society.”

Students actively participated in several activities such as – critical dialogues, poster making, story writing and role play were conducted on the issue of inequality and social norms. The uniqueness of each child has been displayed through these activities. A drama was presented on ‘Discrimination’ by the students of Upper Primary School Basantipur got the first prize, the drama presentation on ‘Dowry’ by the students of Patwara School got the second prize. And the third prize was won by the girls, students of Nivori Vidyalaya by presenting a skit on ‘Child Marriage’. Director General of Police Sushil Chandrabhan appreciated the efforts made by all the participants and teachers by giving prizes and certificates to the winners. 

Photo courtesy: DSH Team

“Education is the basic right of every child,” says Sandeep Kumar Singh, Minister of state, Basic Education, UP

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“Education is the basic right of every child, and we are trying to reach every child in the country. Prerna school is doing such amazing work by educating girls and boys from the most vulnerable communities and has empowered them to reach new heights,” said Sandeep Kumar Singh, Minister of state, Basic Education, UP who was as the chief guest at the convocation ceremony of Prerna Girls and Boys School. Mr G Ramesh, Managing Director of HDB Financial Services Ltd and Dr Vinit Chauhan, Associate professor at IIM Lucknow and Dr Rajender Pensiya IAS officer, Lucknow UPS Nagar Vikas were the guests of honour at the ceremony. 

Prerna Girls School and Prerna Boys School (units of Study Hall Educational Foundation) organized their convocation ceremony on the 6 September. The students who successfully completed their class 10th and 12th board exams were felicitated. 40 girls and 13 boys were awarded with Late Sundari Devi Kapoor Memorial Scholarship. In addition, three Prerna alumnae who successfully completed their graduation and have enrolled for master’s program were awarded with Late Rajendra Mohini Satpal Malhotra Memorial scholarship.

The program started with Principal Rakhee Panjwani addressing the parents and thanking them for their support and congratulating the girls and boys for their achievements. The students performed ‘Ganesh Vandana’ mesmerizing the audience. 

Dr Urvashi Sahni, founder and CEO of SHEF congratulated the students and the parents. She said, “Every aspect of education at Prerna — the teachers, the curriculum, the culture of the school, is focused on helping the girls construct a sense of themselves as equal persons worthy of being respected by themselves and their communities. We don’t just focus on academic excellence, but to empower them and to build a capacity to aspire, to take charge of their lives, and to flourish. We also focus on boys to help them ”  

The students shared their experiences with the audience. Sonali Sahu, Prerna graduate said, “I feel proud to be a part of Prerna, we are taught that girls are equal and have every right to a life of their own choosing. With my teacher’s support I was able to do well in my class 12th examination. I also got the opportunity to study in Italy through a scholarship program. And it has been a great learning experience for me.” She also thanked her teachers and parents. 

Manju Rawat, mother of Shalu, a Prerna student said, “There is no school like Prerna. My children are welcomed in the classrooms with their lives and their problems. Teachers don’t just teach here but support them through all their challenges and help them achieve their dreams.” 

The ceremony continued with a delightful dance performance. The ceremony finished up with a vote of thanks by the vice Principal, Roli Saxena and National Anthem.

Photo courtesy: DSH Team

“Chokhi (genuine) Kahaniyan stays true to its name throughout the program” says Akhilendra Dubey, Program Manager, ICDS Lucknow

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Lucknow: Akhilendra Dubey, Program Manager, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Lucknow at a unique storyteller event said, “Chokhi (genuine) Kahaniyan stays true to its name throughout the program. Through storytelling they have raised awareness around many social issues as well as environmental issues.” Mr Dubey was invited as the Chief Guest at a storytelling event – Chokhi Kahaniyan where out of school children from six districts performed for the first time. Chokhi Kahaniya was organized by Study Hall Educational Foundation’s (SHEF) GyanSetu Early Childhood Development centers. 

Dr Uravshi Sahni, founder and CEO of Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF), “This is a great opportunity to showcase their talent and build their aspirations. I am delighted to see parents gathered in huge numbers, especially fathers to see their children perform. In 2019, GyanSetu began giving focus to children ages 3 to 6 years through its Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme and we now have 54 centers educating over 1500 children under 3 to 6 years of age.” 

Reena Seth, who heads GyanSetu ECD program said, “Our students and teachers have worked really hard to make this event a huge success. I am so proud of these kids for performing so well.”

Tanmai Chaturvedi, Program Manager of Gyansetu said, “GyanSetu centers are hubs of community transformation, and children are at the very center of our program. It is heartening to see how talented these children are and how much they are enjoying performing on stage. This is a new experience for our children and the teachers..”

GyanSetu centers are run by SHEF. These are small, intimate learning support centers in rural and urban pockets where poverty, gender and caste intersect to prevent children from going to school. Spread across six districts of Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow, Sitapur, Unnao, Barabanki, Ayodhya and Pratapgarh), GyanSetu currently has 148 centers educating 4000 out-of-school children by pacing their learning with an aim to transition them to formal schooling. These centers also function as hubs of community transformation and create a sustainable and caring support system for first generation learners.

Photo courtesy: DSH Team

“Going to study in the US is like a dream for me” says 16 year-old who won the US State Department’s scholarship

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Lucknow: “Going to study in the US is like a dream for me, I would have never imagined studying abroad,” says 16 year-old Kashish, who got selected for the US State Department’s Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) programme scholarship. She leaves for St Louis, Missouri later this week. “It is a great learning opportunity for me and my school has been my biggest support throughout.” Kashish is a Prerna alum, who is currently studying in class 11 at Study Hall School on scholarship. She joined Prerna Girls School in 2009 and later earned a scholarship to study at Study Hall School because of her excellent academic performance. Kashish will be studying at Parkway South High School, in St Louis, Missouri, USA for this academic year. 

Kashish lost her father at the age of five. Her mother, Shashi is a single parent, raising three daughters and works at a women’s self help group, where she makes dry snacks and pickles. “My daughters have made me so proud. Kashish is going to study abroad. All of us are so excited and happy,” says Sahshi. “I dealt with society when they questioned me for not having a son and raising three daughters alone after losing my husband. I was able to send all my daughters to school because of Prerna School. I don’t need a son, I have my daughters”, she adds. 

Rakhee Panjwani, principal, Prerna Girls School (a unit of Study Hall Educational Foundation) says, “This is indeed a very proud moment for our school. Kashish has been one of the brightest students and it is her dedication and hard work that got her selected for the scholarship. We wish her good luck for her journey and hope that she returns more confident and encourages her peers too.”

In the past, 10 girls had been selected from Study Hall Educational Foundation for the YES programme to study in the US. The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) programme brings high school students from countries of strategic importance to the United States for an academic year.

American Embassy sponsored English Access Program, commences at SHEF

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Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) organized the opening ceremony of the English Access Microscholarship Program (Access). Over 100 students have been enrolled in the program from four units of SHEF (Prerna Girls School, Prerna Boys School, Vidyasthali school and Study Hall College). Over 400 children have graduated from the program. Access is a 2-year intensive English language program funded by the U.S Department of State for youth around the world for 13 to 20 year-olds. This is the fifth cycle of the English Access Program at SHEF.

The program started with a speech by Access Program Coordinator, Zarine Garcia, This program goes beyond just teaching English. Access is a place where creativity is sparked for everyone involved. There is a clear transformation in our students. It has opened doors to scholarship opportunities.”

Dr Uravshi Sahni, founder and CEO of SHEF said, “Welcome to the new students. This is going to be a good experience for all of you. It aligns with our vision, to educate children, empower them and inculcate the values of equality, social justice and democratic citizenship.”

Students then shared their experiences with the program and presented cultural performances. 

Ruth Goode, Regional English Language Officer (RELO), “English Access Microscholarship is to empower students from non-English speaking countries by teaching them professional skills, social skills, and leadership. More than 400 students from SHEF have been a part of this program.”

Sonali, an alum of Access Program said, “I have enjoyed the two years of Access program. It has given me so many opportunities. I went to Italy last for an exchange program. It has built my confidence and enhanced my personality.” 

Surya Narayan, a student of Study Hall College, “This is a great opportunity for me as well as other students. I am very excited to start this program. I am hoping to develop my English speaking skills.”

Job Fair for specially-abled: 5 students from Study Hall DOSTI get offers

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Lucknow: 5 students from DOSTI school were offered jobs at a job fair for Persons with Disabilities organised by Youth4jobs Foundation in collaboration with CII, IDBN and Axis Bank at Study Hall School campus on Tuesday. Over 100 specially-abled persons were offered jobs at the fair. The event was a success as 200 people attended the fair and more than 500 registered. 30 corporate representatives from various sectors, like Hospitality, Retail, IT/ITeS, Banking & Finance, BPO, Travel & Tourism, E-Commerce, Manufacturing etc., participated.

Sanskar, a student of DOSTI school, was offered a job at Zomato Zia. Sanskar is a special child with intellectual disability, who joined DOSTI school in 2014. He has completed his class 12th in 2019 through NIOS. Last year, Sanskar also completed his diploma in Learning Based AEMP from AIMS Media. Like Sanskar, 4 other students from DOSTI have been shortlisted and will receive training in their respective fields.

Tarannum Khan, Head-mistress of DOSTI school said, “At DOSTI, our focus is on life outcomes and not just learning outcomes. We want our children to integrate as empowered individuals in society. This is a great initiative by Youth4Jobs for specially-abled people. Many of our students have registered and have been offered jobs already.” DOSTI is a unit of Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) and has been working for the last 17 years to educate special children according to pace, realize their best potential and become independent individuals.

Meera Shenoy, founder of Youth4Jobs said, “It is well established that the inclusion of persons with disabilities not only creates diversity but also makes business sense. This job fair is thus an excellent opportunity for corporations to meet, interview and employ this job ready talent pool, who add value to the organization for enhancing creativity, productivity, passion and employee retention.” 

Representatives from  Youth4Jobs and Corporate HRs will also offer services like Employability Assessments, post selection handholding and career Guidance and Counseling for job interviews to the candidates.

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.