Visit Us
We love visitors! And since we are based in Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania and less than an hour’s drive from Moshi, the town at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, it’s really quite easy to get to our school.
Sponsors and donors are very welcome to come and visit/stay at St Jude’s anytime! The school is extremely grateful to these people who have joined our team – our extended ‘family’ – as they are the backbone, support and strength behind the progress of The School of St Jude. Without these individuals, families, clubs, schools, businesses and institutions, we would be a school with a few classrooms, a handful of children and a couple of teachers still dreaming of the impact we hope to make on the extremely poor and disadvantaged children of Arusha.
Even if you are not a current sponsor or donor, you are more than welcome to visit and meet our students and staff. We are very proud of our school and so we enjoy being able to show it off. Everyone who visits St Jude’s is helping to spread the word and gets to see first hand how in almost 10 years the school has grown from one teacher and three students to over 340 local staff, nearly 1500 students, three schools, two boarding campuses and 20 buses. Most importantly, you can see how donated money is being used to educate some of Africa’s poorest, brightest and most amazing children.
Whether you are here for a morning or afternoon, two days, or even a few more, we can organise a tour of the school and even provide accommodation if you require.
To maximize your visit to St Jude's we highly encourage you to arrange your visit during weekdays. Over the weekend staffing is limited and there are no students on the campus.
St Jude's welcomes overnight visitors, however, accommodation is only available for visitors who follow and participate in a school based itinerary.
Activities you can expect while visiting St Jude’s…
- Tours of our Lower and Upper Primary campuses in Moshono
- Tour of our Boarding House in Moivaro (a short walk from our Moshono Campus)
- Tour of our Secondary and boarding campus in Usa River
- Join our students and teachers for a traditional African lunch each weekday during school terms (at all campuses)
- Observe a library, art, music or PE class, and participate if the timetable permits (at all campuses)
- Attend our school assemblies (Monday & Friday afternoons at Moshono and Thursday afternoons at Usa River)
- Participate in a variety of activities with Primary students every Tuesday afternoon (at our Moshono campus)
- Help with reading classes after lunch from Monday to Thursday with Upper Primary students (at our Moshono campus)
- Ride one of our colourful school buses as it drops our Lower Primary students home, each weekday (from our Moshono campus)
Day Visits
If you can only spend a morning or afternoon at St Jude’s, it would be best to visit our Moshono Campus, the original site that opened in 2002, and where our Primary students attend school. We would be delighted to take you on a tour of our Primary campuses and Boarding House, and if time permits arrange for a visit to one of our classes. If you are here for lunch, we welcome you to join our students and teachers and if by chance you come on one of our assembly days join us in our weekly celebration with all the students.
The school is open between 8.30am – 3.30pm Monday to Friday during school term. If you cannot make it during these hours, we will do our best to show you the school at a time that fits your itinerary. If you are on a safari and want to drop in on your way in or out of Arusha, please let your safari company know in advance so they can incorporate this in your itinerary. Please email us at info@schoolofstjude.co.tz for more information and to start planning your day visit to St Jude’s.
Staying at St Jude’s
If you have more time to experience the school you are more than welcome to join us for a few days and even stay in our visitor accommodation. We find that two or three nights is the perfect amount of time to experience all the activities at St Jude’s and get the most out of your trip.
We can arrange your whole itinerary during your stay at the school. All the activities mentioned will definitely be on your itinerary (subject to what days you are visiting) and in addition we can arrange for many other activities and experiences during your stay – please email us for more information on these activities.
The school has clean, basic, single, double and twin rooms with private shower and toilet facilities. As a sponsor, donor or Rotarian you are more than welcome to stay at the school free of charge (for a maximum of 7 nights). Room rates and availability can be provided upon request for anyone not currently a sponsor or donor. We welcome everyone to visit and find out more about the great work St Jude’s continues to do.
The accommodation at the school is limited and with so many sponsors, donors and visitors coming each year, it is best to contact us early to book – the more notice the better! For more information on staying at St Jude’s please email us on info@schoolofstjude.co.tz.
For information on how to get to St Jude’s, health issues and visa requirements please download the following PDF for our latest information.
