SeniorNet Supports Saar Nepal’s Elder Education Program through its Charlene A. Francis Scholarship

The Charlene Francis Scholarship Fund was established in 2010 to honor her. She has made significant contributions to SeniorNet both at its Learning Centers and on the organization’s national Board of Directors. Francis has served as a member, volunteer and distinguished leader for more than 25 years, including her dedicated years in leading the SeniorNet Learning Center in Oklahoma City where she continues to play an active role today.

Drawing on local resources — tech company retirees, community facilities and donated equipment –SeniorNet minimizes its need to conduct large-scale fundraising activities by partnering with major corporations such as Microsoft, IBM, Que Publishing, Adobe, Google, AT&T and others. This specific scholarship is funded primarily by individual donations.

Leslie M. Smith, retired IBM Business Development Executive and SeniorNet Chairman of the Board said, “We are proud to help support an organization like Saar Nepal in its parallel mission. Computers skills are crucial to enhancing everyone’s lives especially seniors who are sometimes isolated. This is a global challenge for all of us.”

Aarati Poudel, founder and president of Saar Nepal, said, “We are pleased to accept this sponsorship from SeniorNet. Seniors in both of our countries face several similar challenges and this grant will go a long way in furthering technology education for our most precious citizens.”

About Saar Nepal

Saar Nepal, (www.saarnepal.org) located in Kathmandu, is a non-profit organization founded by committed Nepalese citizens drawn from development workers, social workers, youth activists and other professionals with the common interest of addressing the issues of elderly citizens. Saar Nepal exclusively works for the rights and protection of the elderly with an emphasis on successful ageing.

About SeniorNet

SeniorNet (www.seniornet.org) is the nation’s premier and most respected nonprofit organization specializing in computer and Internet education for adults over 55 and those in need. Since 1986, SeniorNet has empowered more than two million Boomers and Seniors by providing encouragement, lifelong learning opportunities and new worlds to explore via the Internet. Based in Fort Myers, Florida, it has approximately 6,000 members. SeniorNet is staffed by more than 3,000 volunteers and has more than 30 Learning Centers in the United States, including Indian Reservations and underserved areas.