For 13 years we have been working towards this day - the day we commemorate our first Form 6 graduates leaving behind their school teachers, school books and school uniforms and heading into the world beyond the school gates. These proud young men and women will celebrate their graduation on Saturday, May 30, 2015, with their parents, school staff members and supporters from around the world who have shared the school’s long-term vision of fighting poverty through education.

As well as a stirring and emotional tribute to our 61 graduates on that Saturday, the students and staff have also planned fun, informative and creative events in which visitors may participate during the week leading up to the big day! Everyone, no matter where you are, is guaranteed a St Jude’s experience to remember!

If you're interested in coming to St Jude's to celebrate with our students, it’s not too late.

If you can’t join us in person don’t worry, you can still be a part of it!

Keep an eye on our website and social media as we keep you up to date with videos and photos throughout the graduation week!

Want to get involved? Our first ever Form 6 Graduation is a great reason to spread the word about St Jude’s and how we are fighting poverty through education. Why not host an event or small gathering and share the graduation video with your family, friends and colleagues. The video will be released soon after graduation. Find resources and ideas here to get you started.

Want a bit of a peek behind the scenes of the graduation planning?!

We’ll let Kudra and Enock, the Form 6 students on our graduation committee, give away a few secrets:

What role are you playing in planning the graduation? 

KUDRA: I am the class representative member of the committee. I am bridging the gap between the graduates and the school’s graduation committee. I was elected to be a class representative by my fellow students.

ENOCK: The committee realised early on that we had some creative ideas to make the graduation awesome, so we were given a chance to be part of the organisation team.

What ideas are you working on now? 

KUDRA: Some of the decisions that still need to be made are: planning for the night concert after graduation, picking the guest of honour, putting together gifts and preparing our farewell presentation.

What are you most excited about? 

ENOCK: I am most excited to see the sponsors! I am also very excited to graduate A-level, it has been two busy years of hard work and sacrifice. I also can’t wait for Day 3 - the fun day where we will enjoy the variety of sports and games with staff, fellow students, visitors and sponsors. I hope it will be awesome!

KUDRA: I’m excited about the day my classmates and I will spend helping at a children’s centre in Arusha, doing different charitable activities like washing their clothes, cleaning the environment and playing different games.

What are your plans after graduation?

KUDRA: After graduation I will do my community service year in two sessions: Outside St Jude’s, I will teach commerce, accounting, bookkeeping and Kiswahili at Arusha Secondary School. At St Jude’s, I would love to serve as a boarding matron at the Moivaro campus.

ENOCK: I will take a month to rest and plan for my community service program. I will also use this time to explore tertiary education and be with my family.

What do you think graduation will be like?

KUDRA: I hope it will make a remarkable day at St Jude’s. Many people will come over including sponsors, donors, volunteers and parents to join us celebrating our achievement.

ENOCK: I know it will be a remarkable one. First one in history. Having all the well-wishers around will be just incredible.