🌏 In this episode of the Landmark Difference Makers Podcast, we sit down with Anne Rittman, a teacher, artist, writer, and human rights advocate whose life’s work spans five decades. Anne’s passion for making a difference has taken her across the globe, with her most profound impact in Nepal—a country she has served and loved since her first visit in the 1970s.
Her journey began with a fateful bus ride to Kathmandu, where Anne forged a life-changing bond with a young boy named Ram. This chance encounter blossomed into a lifelong commitment to education, empowerment, and combating systemic issues like poverty and child trafficking in Nepal.
A Chance Encounter That Changed Everything
Anne’s introduction to Nepal was serendipitous. While traveling on a whim, she met Ram, a young boy living on the streets of Kathmandu. Moved by his circumstances and determined to provide him with a brighter future, Anne arranged for his education and care, igniting her enduring connection to Nepal.
Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Anne shared, “I didn’t plan it, but there was an undeniable human connection. I saw in Ram the same potential I knew education could unlock for anyone.”
Years later, Anne reunited with Ram by sheer coincidence—a powerful reminder of the long-lasting impact of her early efforts. Today, Ram has built a life for himself, speaks fluent English, and continues to pay forward the opportunities Anne helped provide.
Tackling Child Trafficking and Empowering Women
Anne’s work in Nepal expanded significantly in 2004 when she became aware of the dire issue of child trafficking. She partnered with organizations like Maiti Nepal, a group dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating women and children from trafficking. Through transformational leadership programs inspired by Landmark’s methodologies, Anne witnessed profound shifts in these survivors.
One unforgettable moment came when a woman who had been trafficked and severely debilitated physically regained her ability to walk during a program. “She came knocking on my door at 7 a.m., paintbrushes in hand, asking to paint. That transformation was miraculous,” Anne recalls.
The impact of these programs goes beyond individual lives. Many of the women have become border guards, intercepting traffickers and preventing others from enduring the same fate. “These women are vibrant, resilient, and committed to making a difference,” Anne says with admiration.
Building a School and Providing Shelter
Anne’s commitment to education materialized in the form of a school built in rural Nepal, a monumental project supported by the local community. Beyond providing education, the school became a refuge during the 2015 earthquake, withstanding the disaster and housing many families in need.
The school symbolizes hope and opportunity for the community, enabling children to envision lives beyond subsistence farming. “For many, education is the route to a better life, and they know it. Even in remote areas, the Internet has made alternative possibilities visible,” Anne explains.
A Lifetime of Contribution and Transformation
Anne’s relationship with Nepal has profoundly influenced her life. “Nepal has given me the opportunity to contribute in ways I never imagined. It’s been a privilege to make a difference and witness the incredible resilience and determination of the people.”
Looking forward, Anne sees further possibilities in expanding transformational education for Nepalese leaders and empowering communities affected by trafficking. Her vision is clear: to ignite a revolution of possibility and progress.
✨ Want more inspiring stories? Join live recordings of the Landmark Difference Makers interviews. Visit www.landmarkforumnews.com/events to register and be part of these extraordinary conversations.