Study Hall Educational Foundation, India ​

Mona Partner Since 2008

Prerna Girls School in Lucknow educates 1,200 girls from low-income families through grade 12, using a social justice-based pedagogy that treats each student as an equal and autonomous person and builds the skills she needs to challenge the conditions shaping her life.

Neelu's Story: After successfully clearing India's National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET), Neelu is now preparing to apply to medical colleges with the dream of becoming a cardiologist.

Neelu attended Prerna Girls School from kindergarten through grade 10 before earning a scholarship to continue her studies at Study Hall School. She graduated with an impressive 94% in her Class 12 examinations and was awarded the prestigious Vahani Scholarship, which will support her higher education.

After tragically losing her father unexpectedly, Neelu's family faced significant financial hardship. Her mother has remained a constant source of encouragement and support throughout Neelu's education, even when relatives and members of her community repeatedly urged her to stop educating her daughters and arrange their marriages instead.

Neelu shares:

"My father died because we couldn't afford proper medical treatment. That loss changed my life forever. I decided that I wanted to become a doctor so that no family has to lose a loved one simply because they are poor."

"Prerna Girls School made me believe that education can transform our lives, no matter where we come from. My success is the greatest gift I can give back to my school. I hope my journey inspires more girls in my community to dream bigger and become changemakers."