Kathleen Bollerud, Ex.Dir., Himalayan Education Foundation
Posted by Sue Copley on Aug 23, 2016
Kathleen Bollerud, Dir. of the Himalayan Education FoundationKathleen Bollerud was the speaker at the August 23rd, 2016, meeting of the Monadnock Rotary Club. Kathleen is a psychologist and leadership consultant whose passion is improving the lives of women, children, and families in the rural villages of northern India that are the "gateway to the Indian Himalayas." She described the impresive work of the Himalayan Education Foundation that develops deep, long-term relationships in three of these communities where the HEF partners with local leaders and organizations to invest in the residents' education and economic independence. Kathleen's initial interest in these remote mountainous villages evolved into on-going visits to help build schools, dairies, and weaving co-ops along with raising aspirations for improved health, nutrition, and future careers. Villagers receive training to become teachers, naturalists, mountain guides, and people with expertise in textile design and even computers. Funds raised are used these kinds of projects as well as scholarships for students at Himalayan Inter College, a pathway to a brighter future for women, girls, and their families. After her talk she showed us examples of the weavings and other products made in these villages -- all quite lovely!