Study Hall Educational Foundation, India ​

Mona Partner Since 2008

SHEF operates an impressive portfolio of programs aimed at educating and empowering underprivileged girls in urban and rural India. In 2026, its Aarohini Initiative is bringing a social justice-based pedagogy into 282 government residential schools for low-income girls and 100 co-ed Upper Primary Schools, training teachers to help girls see themselves as equal and autonomous individuals and develop the skills to overcome the oppression they face. In May, Uttar Pradesh's state education body approved the Aarohini curriculum for use in any secondary government school in the state.

Mamta's Story: When two sisters stopped attending school for nearly two weeks, their teacher Mamta became concerned and began trying to contact their family. After several unsuccessful attempts, she invited the girls' grandmother to the school.

During their conversation, the grandmother revealed that the girls' mother was allegedly planning to traffic them across the border. Because she had attended Aarohini parent meetings, she trusted the teachers and believed they would act in her granddaughters' best interests.

With the grandmother's consent, a written complaint was filed, and Mamta immediately informed the Aarohini team. An Aarohini counselor coordinated with the police and child protection authorities, leading to the girls being rescued before they could be trafficked.

The girls were placed in the care of their grandmother and have since been able to return to school.



Mamta shares:

"We need to see our role as extending beyond the classroom. When the girls stopped coming to school, I knew something was wrong. Staying connected with families helped us recognize the warning signs, act quickly, and ensure the girls' safety."