At St Jude’s, we know that good nutrition and health are the foundation for student success. Every day, 1,800 students and 300+ staff receive hot, nutritious meals that fuel their learning and overall wellbeing. But what does it take to keep everyone well-fed and healthy? Let’s take a closer look.

1 million meals a year

Each week, St Jude’s serves an incredible 32,000 hot meals—adding up to more than 1 million meals annually! Our dedicated kitchen team works tirelessly to prepare hearty, nutritious meals using staples such as beans, rice, maize flour, fruits and vegetables. To ensure every student receives a balanced diet, the school invests nearly AU$11,000 weekly in high-quality food. Students requiring special diets are catered for too.

Fresh, local, and nutritious

Good nutrition goes beyond filling plates. St Jude’s prioritises quality by sourcing more than 15,000kg of fresh fruits and vegetables monthly from trusted local suppliers. These nutrient-rich foods give students the vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy, focused, and energised.

More than just meals: a holistic approach to student health

At St Jude’s, student health is as important as academic excellence. That’s why we take a comprehensive approach to wellbeing through:

• Annual health check-ups every new student undergoes a full health check upon enrolment and has an annual check to ensure they are fit to make the most of their education. These check-ups help identify existing health conditions and allow the school to tailor support through medications, special dietary plans, or additional academic assistance for students whose health impacts their learning.
• Daily physical education classes keep students active, improve coordination, and promote lifelong fitness habits. Through sports like football, volleyball, athletics, basketball, and dance, students develop teamwork, resilience, and confidence while staying healthy and engaged.

At St Jude’s, Form 4 graduates have the opportunity participate in a Community Service Semester (CSS) as a way to give back for the education they’ve received. For Fadhila, who completed her O Levels last year, choosing to serve as an art teacher in the Girls’ Secondary School art room at St Jude’s was an easy decision. With a flair for all things creative, she reflects on how the school nurtured her talent and helped her grow as an artist.

• What did you like most about St Jude’s?

I joined St Jude's in 2014 and graduated from Form 4 in 2024. I appreciate the support the students receive from teachers and how they help us grow our talents.

• What got you interested in art?

I was drawn to art because it allows for creativity, and I find it really enjoyable to create. My art teacher, Mr Kephas, has been a huge source of support and inspiration for me. Plus, one of my siblings is also an artist!

• How do you stay creative?

I stay creative by working on many different art projects and constantly coming up with new ideas.

• How does St Jude's support your skills?

St Jude's supports my skills and talent by providing an excellent teacher, quality materials, and a lot of encouragement. Some of my proudest moments include finishing a difficult artwork that turns out beautiful and having my artwork sell out.

• What are some of your future aspirations?

I would love to have my own art workshop where I can help support aspiring artists. I would also love to become a famous fashion designer and artist. I love all things creative!

Before joining St Jude’s, 14-year-old Agripina’s day used to start at the crack of dawn. First, she checks on her elderly grandmother, cleans around the house, and tends to livestock. Afterward, she prepares her younger sister, and the pair would begin the 30-minute walk to school, often arriving early enough for Agripina to squeeze in about an hour of personal study before class.

"I have always maintained a strict daily schedule to balance my studies and chores at home," explains Agripina, one of the new students at St Jude's. "There was hardly enough time in the day to do everything so I had to get creative with my time," she adds.

For example, after school, Agripina stays a few more hours for personal studies and dedicates her free time on weekends to group discussions and additional studies. To make the most of her long commute, she would discuss lessons with schoolmates along the way. Her discipline, consistency, and hard work paid off as Agripina maintained the top position in her class throughout her primary school education.

In Tanzania, primary education is the first seven years of school, from Standard 1 to 7. At the end of Standard 7, students sit for a series of standardised national exams. Those who pass may be eligible to attend government school to continue with secondary education.

"If I made it to secondary school, I’d be the first in my family to do so," says Agripina. "But first, I had to pass the national examinations," she adds.

 Agripina doubled down on her already tight schedule in preparation for her national exams, dedicating every moment of her free time to her studies. She would study by the fire while preparing family dinner, stay up late, and organise a small discussion group with classmates from the same neighbourhood. Her efforts eventually paid off, and Agripina passed her national examinations with remarkable results.

However, passing the Standard 7 national examination doesn't necessarily guarantee a spot in secondary school.

“Passing my Standard 7 exams was only the first step,” explains Agripina. “Next, I had to hope and wait for the government to allocate me to a school. This part is tricky because it’s completely out of my control,” she adds.

In Tanzania, government schools provide the most affordable education; they don’t charge school fees, but parents are expected to contribute to food, transport, stationery, uniforms, and other costs. Unfortunately, there aren’t enough secondary schools in Tanzania to match the growing number of primary school graduates. National data indicates only one secondary school for every four primary schools. It’s not uncommon for students to miss out on secondary education despite passing their exams due to the limited spots/places available.

Furthermore, secondary schools are often located far from students’ homes, making access even more challenging.

“I knew plenty of students, especially girls, who passed their exams but still didn’t make it to secondary school,” recalls Agripina. “It was scary to think that I could potentially end up in the same spot,” she adds.

Luckily for Agripina, she didn’t have to wait for the government's allocation. Her remarkable results caught the attention of St Jude’s, which promptly sent her an invitation to apply for a scholarship. In no time, she was on her way to one of St Jude’s centres to try her luck.

“It was quite an experience. There were so many students with their parents and guardians. St Jude’s took care of everything—transportation, food, and accommodation—since we had to spend the night and start the application process the following morning," she shares.

Agripina went through academic testing and excelled in all of them. Next came a pre-house check and document screening to determine her eligibility for the next steps. The last phase was a home visit by
St Jude’s staff for poverty assessment to determine whether the student’s family meets the school's scholarship criteria. This thorough process ensures that the most deserving students with exceptional academic potential make it through the scholarship program.

Out of over 2,000 students who applied for a scholarship at St Jude’s, Agripina was one of the 194 who eventually made it to the end.

“Joining St Jude’s makes all my hard work worth it,” she reflects. “I’ve only been here a few days, but I already love the school, the teachers, and my fellow students,” she adds happily.

Agripina aspires to become a doctor. Fittingly, she has joined St Jude’s Secondary Girls’ School, which boasts well-equipped science laboratories, excellent sports and academic programs, and a thriving science culture. With her discipline, determination, and access to St Jude’s resources, there’s no doubt she’ll achieve her dreams.

In Tanzania, the academic year for primary school runs parallel to the calendar year, starting in January and ending in December. Students enjoy a month-long holiday at the end of the year and return in January to begin a new academic year.

Primary education in Tanzania is the first seven years of school; starting in Standard 1, students graduate from primary school in Standard 7.

The first few weeks of January are usually filled with excitement as students transition to the next academic level and reunite with friends they haven’t seen in a while. We recently caught up with Grace, one of our primary school students, to hear about her recent holiday and her plans for the year ahead.

• What did you do during the holiday?

I enjoyed spending time with my family and playing with my friends.

• What was your favourite moment?

When we visited my grandmother for Christmas, I met with my cousins and had lots of fun together! We also enjoyed delicious food and drinks.

• Did you make any New Year's resolutions for yourself?

Yes. I want to study hard so that I can become a soldier one day.

• What did you learn during the holiday?

I helped my mum around the kitchen, and she showed me how to prepare some meals.

Completing primary school education is an important milestone.

There are three key stages of school in Tanzania; seven years of primary school from Standard 1 to 7,
then four years of secondary school from Forms 1 to 4 in Ordinary Level (O Level) studies, and finally the
final two years of secondary school, Forms 5 and 6 in Advanced Level (A Level) studies.
It sets the stage for students to begin pursuing their careers and specialising on their preferred subjects.
It's an exciting achievement for students and proud moment for parents.

This is what it means in their own words...

How does it feel about moving on to secondary school?
We’re excited! We look forward to meeting new friends, learning different subjects, and experiencing
boarding school for the first time.

What are your next goals for next year as you start secondary school?
Our main goal is to improve in Mathematics and lay a strong foundation for our future studies.

What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned throughout your school years?
We learned to challenge ourselves, think critically, and seek help when needed instead of staying silent.

Can you share one of your most memorable experiences at school?
The Ngorongoro trip was unforgettable. We saw many animals, visited Olduvai Gorge, and learned
about the Zinjathropus skull. It was our first long journey and exploration of such a significant site.

Do you have any advice for the students coming up after you in Standard 7?
Enjoy learning and find a balance between academics and extracurricular activities.

Once a year, the entire St Jude's community of 1,800 students and more than 300 staff gathers on one campus to celebrate St Jude's Day. It is one of the biggest and most anticipated events on the school calendar.  

There is a lot to explore about St Jude's Day, so here is a quick look at how we celebrate.

What is St Jude's Day? 

St Jude's Day is a special day to honour Saint Jude, the patron saint of desperate and lost causes for whom the school is named. 

How do we celebrate it?

Over the years, it has been a tradition to celebrate this day as a community. St Jude’s campuses alternate hosting the celebrations; this year was the Sisia Campus’ turn.

What happens on St Jude's Day? 

The day's first activity is taking the annual (whole) school photo. A huge logistical effort, everybody assembles on one of the sports fields to pose for a photo, the students lining up from youngest to oldest. A Thanksgiving mass follows, where students and staff present gifts that will later be distributed to the less fortunate in our local community. Afterward, the school enjoys a community lunch, followed by entertainment and special recognition for staff through the St Jude's Spirit program.

When is the next St Jude's Day?

St Jude's Day is observed annually on 28^th October. Next year, St Jude's Day will fall on a Tuesday and be hosted by the Smith Campus. It's a perfect day to visit the school and experience the spirit of
St Jude firsthand from our community.