Proud parents rejoiced when they saw their children, dressed in new school uniforms and ready for their free, high-quality education at St Jude’s.

Chosen from the most underprivileged families in the Arusha district, these students already understand the importance of being chosen to receive a free education that ranks in the top 10% in Tanzania.

St Jude’s employees and volunteers rolled up their sleeves to distribute fresh new uniforms to the delighted children, who then showed their parents and lined up for their first official photos.

“We are so pleased to welcome a new group of keen young students to St Jude’s. This is always a very exciting time of the year,” school founder Gemma Sisia said.

“I couldn’t imagine a better way to start the school year than seeing the faces of these students and their parents light up on Uniform Day.”

New student mothers Elizabeth and Ava agreed.

“I’m ecstatic, so excited Jenipha is going to St Jude’s,” Elizabeth said.

“She will have an opportunity at this school to go to secondary level and be such a good help for the family, and it will give her an opportunity to teach others and be a good example of how we need to prioritise education.”

“I am so happy, beyond explanation,” Ava said.

“Colin getting an education will help sustain our life, and that of our community.”

Over the 14 years St Jude’s has provided an education to underprivileged children, our selection process has been refined to ensure those most deserving are enrolled.

“We welcome bright students who have demonstrated aptitude and dedication to their education,” Gemma said.

“It’s a fair and thorough process to ensure students and their families, as well as their sponsors, receive the upmost benefit of a St Jude’s education.”

The annual selection process began in August last year with almost 7000 hopeful students applying. These successful new students have been selected for their academic ability, social and leadership qualities and financial disadvantage.

Join us in welcoming our bright new students to the St Jude’s family in 2016.