Hélène Monastier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hélène Monastier
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| Born | 2 December 1882 Payerne
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| Died | 7 March 1976 Lausanne
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| Nationality | Swiss |
| Occupation | Teacher and peace activist |
Hélène Monastier (born December 2, 1882 – died March 7, 1976) was a Swiss woman who worked as a teacher and was a strong supporter of peace. She lived and worked in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Contents
Her Early Life
Hélène-Sophie Monastier was born in Payerne, Switzerland. Her father, Charles Louis, was a Protestant pastor and librarian. Her mother was Marie Louise Gonin. Hélène also had an older brother named Louis.
Hélène had a paralyzed leg for her whole life. This was because she got polio when she was only two years old. Even though her parents helped her a lot, she found it hard during her teenage years. When she was 27, she had an operation, but it didn't help much. Later, a friend gave her some writings from Blaise Pascal. These words changed her outlook, and she felt "cured" in her spirit.
Hélène studied in Payerne and Lausanne. She also spent time in Great Britain and Germany. During her studies, she trained to be a teacher. She also learned about the tough lives of workers, unemployment, and ideas like socialism. Hélène taught French, History, and Geography for 40 years. She worked at a private school called École Vinet in Lausanne from 1904 to 1943.
Helping Young People
In 1909, Hélène organized the first camp for high school girls. Girls from Lausanne, Geneva, and Neuchâtel came together. This camp later became the "Camp d’éducatrices de Vaumarcus." This was a special place for young Christians to meet, learn, and go on vacation. Hélène took part in this camp every year until 1962.
In 1911, she joined the Christian Socialist movement. This group wanted to help working-class people. Hélène helped young people at the Maison du Peuple (which means 'People’s House') in Lausanne. In 1920, she helped start the Christian-Social Movement in French-speaking Switzerland.
Working for Peace
Hélène first met Pierre Cérésole in 1917. Pierre Cérésole was the founder of the Service Civil International (SCI). He was a pacifist, meaning he believed in peace and was against war. Hélène and Pierre became good friends. She started to get involved in his peace work.
Hélène helped the SCI in its early days. She also helped Pierre Cérésole connect with people around the world. She even took part in several SCI workcamps. A workcamp is where volunteers go to help communities. For example, in August 1924, she helped in a village in Vaud. An avalanche had covered a house with rocks and mud. Hélène and other volunteers helped clear it.
Through Pierre Cérésole, Hélène learned about the Quakers. Quakers are a religious group known for their peaceful beliefs. She spent time at the Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre in Birmingham, England. In 1930, she officially joined the Quakers. She became the first "clerk" (a leader) of the Swiss Quakers. She also started their yearly meeting and a magazine called Entre Amis (meaning 'Among Friends').
From 1946 to 1952, Hélène was the first International President of SCI. After Pierre Cérésole passed away, she wrote a book about his life and published some of his writings.
In 1955, Hélène helped start Helvetas. This is an organization that helps people in other countries. She worked with Rodolfo Olgiati and others to create it. Hélène Monastier passed away in Lausanne in 1976.
Her Personality
People described Hélène Monastier as a natural teacher. They said she had a special gift for helping her students be their best. She respected each child's unique personality. She was known for her love and also for being strict when needed. People said she had a "CEO's brain" because she thought clearly, made quick decisions, and was good at organizing things. She also wrote well and had a great sense of humor.
Tribute
On October 3, 2003, a special plaque was placed in her honor in Lausanne (Pré-du-Marché 17). It remembers her contributions.
Images for kids
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Hélène Monastier poses near a car with the visible symbol of the Quaker star (1950).
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Hélène Monastier (1970).
See also
In Spanish: Hélène Monastier para niños
