In 2017, Winrose wowed St Jude’s supporters all over Australia when she accompanied Gemma Sisia on her annual fundraising tour.

With grace and humility, Winrose spoke to thousands of people about the impact that her education at St Jude’s had on her life. At the time, she was newly accepted into the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at African Leadership Academy, which enabled her to reach a previously improbable dream: studying in the United States to become an aeronautical engineer. As a part of her scholarship, Winrose will return to Tanzania at no cost each year during her summer break, during which she undertakes community service projects and internships and reconnects with her family, friends and culture. Bright smile, bright future: Winrose started at St Jude's in 2011 for Form 1.  Winrose took the time to visit Sisia Primary Campus this month and share some insights about living in the United States, what she has learnt and what she hopes for St Jude’s students in years to come. “I came to St Jude’s from an under-resourced government school when I was in Form 1. St Jude’s was a huge stepping stone for me. It prepared me for the opportunities I am currently enjoying. At St Jude’s we were taught to think outside the box. We participated in events such as Career Day, we had mentors, library facilities – all the resources we needed to succeed,” she said. Winrose believes St Jude’s school values helped shape her into an empowered leader with potential to affect change in Tanzania, when she returns to her homeland after completing her university degree. “It was instilled in us to be respectful and responsible. Our teachers always told us not to wait for someone to instruct you, that you have to have self-discipline and initiative. And also, that if you respect other people, you will have meaningful and healthy relationships. These are crucial guidelines for a good life,” Winrose said. “There have been so many surprising things about American culture, the food, the people. The facilities at Trinity College, where I am studying Mechanical Engineering, are beyond anything I could have imagined. However, Tanzania is home and if we all move abroad after university, who will be here to raise our country up? I have to bring back what people have sent me to do. I am an example to others.” Amazing ambassador: Winrose spoke at an event hosted by Australian Ambassador to the USA, Joe Hockey.  During her recent attendance at St Jude’s Alumni event, Winrose had the chance to prove herself as an exemplary role model by speaking to our entire secondary school. She encouraged them to study hard so that they could reap the rewards of their free, quality education. “I told the students to take their English studies seriously, because communication is the vehicle for positive change in modern society. The best practice is to read books often. I also told them that volunteering is a great way to show your appreciation, even if it is something as simple as cleaning up plastic on the streets.” When asked what she believes will secure Tanzania’s future as a stable and, indeed, competitive economic and social leader in Africa, Winrose’s answer came as no surprise. “Education. Everything starts with knowledge and ideas and the mind. If you have the skills your society needs, you can solve any problem. We can have more doctors, human rights workers, engineers. It helps in building our mindset. People can take anything from you, but not your education that lights you up. If you have education, you receive the light, and you can shine it on other people.” You can shine a light on one of Tanzania’s future leaders, like Winrose. Spread the word about Winrose’s tale of triumph by hosting an event for St Jude’s!