Caitie Whelan

Caitie Whelan, a senior member of the International Youth Research Network at Brown University ('08), helped found this organization and is working toward its sustainability. Her ideas and many lessons learned from her work inform the content of this website as well as the activities of the Seminar Retreat.
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Caitie Whelan, initially working in their region with a U.S.-based non-profit, joined efforts with local leaders to create The Merasi School Book, a textbook that takes the standards of the Indian Governmental Schools and translates them into imagery and literature directly connected to the immediate world of the Merasi students.

During some time off from college, Catie Whelan '02, a student at Brown University, volunteered with Folk Arts Rajasthan.FAR, the organization that brought Rajeela to the United States, works not only to bring appreciation for the music of Rangeela and the rich cultural legacy it represents, but also to help eradicate illiteracy, foster community development, and support crafts and the the teaching of traditional music and dance in Rajasthan.

In an article for the Portland Press Herald, Catie wrote of her time in India: "On paper and in theory, I could offer little to this community.