Study Hall Educational Foundation Introduces India’s First Comprehensive Contextualized Sexuality Education Curriculum

Lucknow : In line with the new National Education Policy 2020, the Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) today launched its landmark “Sex, Relationships, and Society: Comprehensive Sexuality Education Curriculum”. The event marked a significant step toward transforming how Indian schools approach comprehensive sexuality education — from silence and stigma to dialogue and empowerment.

Dr Urvashi Sahni Founder & CEO, Study Hall Educational Foundation said, “Our Comprehensive Sexuality Education curriculum is not about a few lessons on biology — it is about helping children understand who they are, what they value, and how they relate to others and the world. It equips them to think critically, challenge harmful norms, and build relationships rooted in care, respect, and equality. True education must prepare every young person to live with dignity and empathy — that is why this curriculum is so essential.”

The event drew participation from leading educators and institutions across the city, including Study Hall School, La Martinière, Seth M.R. Jaipuria School, CMS, APS Academy, GD Goenka, Kunskapasskolan, Study Hall Deva Road, Adani Gems and several others came together for this launch. Their presence reflected a growing recognition that comprehensive, age-appropriate sexuality education is essential for the holistic development of young people in today’s world.

Shreevats Shukla a, student of class 12 at Study Hall School said, “We can’t stay silent about things that shape our lives every day. Talking about taboo topics like gender, relationships, and consent helps us unlearn the wrong ideas we’ve absorbed and relearn what it really means to be respectful and kind. Men and fathers have to be part of this conversation too — because change begins when all of us question and redefine masculinity together.”

Developed under the leadership of Zarine Garcia, the new curriculum is the result of extensive research, student consultations, and pilot testing across SHEF’s network of schools, including Prerna Girls, Prerna Boys, and Study Hall. It takes a whole-person approach, addressing themes such as self-awareness, relationships, consent, gender, sexual and reproductive health, digital safety, and inclusion.
Speaking on the occasion a parent said, “When adults don’t talk to young people about these issues, the internet becomes their teacher. Our responsibility is to ensure that what they learn is factual, respectful, and empowering.”
The Sex, Relationships, and Society curriculum adopts a whole-person, rights-based approach that integrates knowledge, values, and critical thinking to help students navigate issues of identity, relationships, gender, and health. Organized into seven modules, it covers themes such as self-awareness, healthy relationships, consent, gender and culture, puberty and reproduction, sexual and reproductive health, inclusion of LGBTQ+ identities, and positive attitudes toward desire and pleasure. 

Vanshika Mishra a student, Seth M.R. Jaipuria School said “Young people, especially girls, deserve accurate information — not shame or silence. When we understand our bodies, our rights, and our choices, we can stand up to discrimination and make decisions for ourselves. Comprehensive sexuality education isn’t just about health; it’s about equality, confidence, and freedom.”
Together, these modules provide adolescents with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their bodies, relationships, and well-being, while promoting empathy, equality, and respect. Each curriculum set is accompanied by teacher training and mentoring support, including a full-day workshop, follow-up sessions, and a year-long guidance program to ensure safe and effective classroom delivery.

Each curriculum set is paired with teacher training and mentoring, including a full-day workshop, follow-up sessions, and a year of support to help schools implement it effectively.