INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY is a day to celebrate the many wonderful women in our lives who inspire others and generally make our world a better place.

This year we’d like to share a story about a particularly wonderful person by the name of Dr Jean Calder AC. A woman of the people, Jean dedicated her life to others and also happened to be a past student of our College (1950-1951).

Here’s her story...

Jean Calder was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to helping others, particularly disabled children in the Middle East. She was born in Australia and attended PGC where she was inspired by her teacher, Miss Taylor. After completing her studies to become a general teacher, she pursued her interest in special education and obtained a PhD in the United States.

Her passion for helping children in need led her to volunteer in Beirut, where she met Dalal, a blind 4-year-old girl who she adopted as her daughter, and two disabled boys who soon became her sons. She also contributed to the Palestinian Red Crescent Rehabilitation Centre in Cairo. Her work in Beirut became dangerous due to the war, and she was eventually deported. However, she was reunited with Dalal, Badr, and Hamoudi through a miracle.

Jean moved with the children to Gaza when it opened, and she set up the Rehabilitation Centre once again. Her tireless efforts were recognised when she received the Companion of Australia Award in 2005 and the Honorary Doctor of Science Degree and Alumna of the year from the University of Queensland in 2012.

Jean was an inspiration to many and loved by those who knew her. Her legacy continues through the lives of the children she helped and the people she inspired to make a difference. Her passing late last year was mourned by many around the world.

It’s fitting that we pay tribute to Jean and the contribution she made during her life to make the world a better place. What an inspiration!

Watch more here: https://www.abc.net.au/.../hundredsgather.../101709940...