Milaan से मिलन & Prerna से प्रेरित

17th May 2018

On May 10th we met two amazing community service organisations in Lucknow – Milaan and Prerna Foundation. Milaan has setup a school in a rural area and they also work with young girls for skill development. Meeting Chandrakala was inspiring as she enthusiastically shared details about their programs and how many young girls struggle to make a good life for themselves.

We spoke of how we could use our coaching experience to help their young beneficiaries to identify what they are good at and what is it that they are keen to pursue as a career option. We intend to continue exploring opportunities of working with Milaan.

In the afternoon we went to the Study Hall school. It’s a massive school and amongst the top schools in Lucknow. If you are wondering what we were doing at a regular school, read on to know more. The Study Hall school transforms into a Prerna Foundation school for underprivileged girl students in the afternoon. What an amazing idea !! The regular Study Hall school charges normal fees for students who can afford to pay for their education and that cross subsidizes the afternoon school for girls from the underprivileged sections of the society.

The 1000 girls who study here are working as maids or have to help at home as they come from really poor families. We walked into a class and the enthusiasm was palpable!!

Most of these students love “Maths” …. and nearly five of them want to become lawyers. What a transformation these kids have undergone. Prerna Foundation also works with their parents to sensitize them against child marriage and the importance of education.

We met a special class of students who had to discontinue their education and are soon sitting for their open school 10th standard exams. Again their positive outlook was energizing! We spent some time with Siddharth and the Principal of Prerna School, Rakhi Ma’am understanding how the school functions. Rakhi Ji’s enthusiasm and commitment to the socioeconomic upliftment of these girls is truly the reason behind their success. She knows every girl’s history and the challenges they have – WOW.

Just before leaving the school we managed to say hello to the founder and President of Study Hall foundation, Dr. Urvashi Sahni. It’s her amazing vision that has made Prerna possible.

Inspired and humbled !!