Generational learning
by Katrina Kalleske
Studying Aboriginal Studies at UniSA inspired expat Heather Hendrickson to help orphans in Africa and business women in America.
The 2007 Masters of Aboriginal Studies graduate who grew up in Australia and has now lived in California for 36 years, has an interest in social rights and human justice which led her to university study as a mature-aged student.
Much of her Masters research focused on the wider issue of the role of women within their families and communities.
"I found that women are frequently sole breadwinners while also nurturing children and handing-down family tradition," Hendrickson said.
"In regards to Aboriginal women, one major point is that they carry much of the cultural wisdom and genealogical knowledge which is then passed onto the next generation.
"During the time I spent volunteering in Ethiopia, it was evident that the transmission of cultural knowledge was again the responsibility of the women who take care of the children."
Hendrickson travelled to Ethiopia this year after hearing about the Selamta Family Project which helps to safely house orphans, many of who had been living on the streets. Her work with the Selamta orphans clearly had a significant effect on Hendrickson who was touched and heartbroken by their stories. And she is now inspiring school children in her local area to help with the project.
"I am very excited about this bridge being developed between the local high school students and the women and children living at Selamta," Hendrickson said.
Hendrickson has also been using the experiences gained through her Masters degree in her work for US not-for-profit organisation, Connections, a forum for women in business that also raises funds for university scholarships for re-entry women.
"As a re-entry mature student myself, I really understand the importance of Connections giving scholarships to students," she said. "Many re-entry students are single mothers who are taking positive steps to change their lives and the lives of their children.
"Being able to actively participate in an organisation that supports women in changing their lives is very powerful for me."
Hendrickson undertook her Masters at UniSA after completing a degree in Women’s and Gender Studies at Sonoma State University (near San Francisco), following her work as a librarian and then caring for her three now grown-up children.
"One of my life goals is learning and education so once I finished raising my children I jumped at the opportunity to return to academia," she said.