She has transformed thousands of lives by providing education in a society where education is a privilege for most, and along the way, created jobs for over 400 local Tanzanians. In recognition of her selfless contribution to improving the lives of others, the Australian government awarded her the awarded her a Member of the Order of Australia (MA) in 2007.
Born in the country in Northern NSW, Gemma Sisia, the founder and proprietor of the School of St Jude in Arusha, Tanzania, returns to Australia every year to recharge her batteries, thank the school’s current supporters, and find more support for its ever growing funding needs.
During her latest visit, Gemma was happy to talk to SALT Magazine about her school and the challenges she faces in looking after over 1800 students in a rural region of Tanzania.
“I come back to Australia every year because each year we grow the school by 150 students. The purpose of the trip is twofold – firstly to update the people who are already supporting the school and then to find additional support for the 150 new students that we bring into the school program”.
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