SHEF and HCL Foundation Launch Girls’ Winter Camp to Empower Students from Eight KGBVs in Lucknow

The programme was attended by Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) Vipin Kumar and Block Education Officer (BKT) Ms. Preeti Shukla. The certificate distribution ceremony was conducted by BSA Vipin Kumar along with Ms. Anjali, Lucknow Head of the HCL Uday Programme, which further encouraged and motivated the participating students.

In the first phase, 40 students from KGBVs located in Chinhat, Sarojini Nagar, Mohanlalganj, and Gosainganj participated in the camp. The second phase will include another 40 students from KGBVs in Malihabad, Mall, Kakori, and BKT. During the programme, SHEF Founder Dr. Urvashi Sahni and representatives from HCL Technologies interacted with the students and inspired them to recognise their strengths and aspirations.

Addressing the students, BSA Vipin Kumar said,Becoming a good human being and maintaining a positive mindset are essential for a better life. The Department, SHEF, and HCL are jointly working to create an environment where every student matters. Education is the pathway through which these opportunities reach you, and I encourage all students to value and continue their education.”

Block Education Officer (Basic) Ms. Preeti Shukla interacted with the girls during the visit and reviewed the activities conducted throughout the camp.Sharing her experience, Aditi, a Class 8 student from Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, Sarojini Nagar, said,These three days have been the best days of my life. I learned to trust myself, express my thoughts without fear, and understand the difference between right and wrong. I also learned about my rights and equality. Now I feel confident that I can make my own decisions and work towards my dreams.”

Shikha Singh, Program Manager – Education Initiatives, Study Hall Educational Foundation, Lucknow, said,“The children are extremely talented. What they need is a supportive environment that helps them identify and refine their abilities. During the camp, we observed that many girls who were initially hesitant gradually began expressing their thoughts with confidence.”

The camp was designed to go beyond academic learning, focusing on life skills that empower girls to question inequality, make informed decisions, and navigate the world with self-belief. Through interactive sessions, discussions, games, and creative activities, students explored topics such as child marriage, the POCSO Act, gender equality, and personal safety. Each day began with collective activities and open dialogue, creating a safe and inclusive space for learning and self-expression.

The Girls’ Winter Camp reflects SHEF’s broader vision of empowering girls from marginalized communities through inclusive and transformative education, enabling them to move forward with confidence, awareness, and the ability to shape their own futures.