The path to The School of St Jude has been tougher than most for new Form 1 student, Edson.

Born with ‘knock-knees’, his legs have grown angled inwards and the teenager is in pain with each step he takes.

The spirited student refuses to let his limitations define him. With sheer determination, Edson trekked two hours from his home in the Maasai tribe heartland, Nadosoito, to his under-resourced government primary school for seven years.

Whilst he was often late, unable to walk at the pace of his classmates, Edson never missed a day. As the oldest son he also herded cows after school to support his family.

Edson recalls being labeled a “hopeless cause” by many but he was quietly working towards a better life.

“A letter was bought to my primary school promoting the selection day at The School of Jude and this became my motivation. The life for my family is very hard here because there is hardly any water. I want to change this,” Edson explains.

As Edson’s family continued to struggle without water, their supply diminishing at the distant fill up taps as the borehole dried up, Edson improved his grades to a standard that saw him pass the St Jude’s Form 1 entrance exam with flying colours.

Before he knew it, St Jude’s bright yellow bus arrived at their traditional mud-hut home, one hour south of central Arusha and he was set for the ride of his life.

Recalling that day, Edson’s mother, Helena, becomes emotional, hugging her son tight as he rejoined his family during the midterm break.

“Edson was an obedient child; he did not used to talk much and behaved well. He loved to go to school despite having problems with his legs. I feel so encouraged and proud now he is at St Jude’s. He has told me how the school is providing him with a good place to sleep, eat and study. It means a lot to us because he will help to eradicate the poverty around us here.”

Reaching secondary school is an achievement in itself for Edson and his fellow Form 1 classmates who joined St Jude’s from government schools in January. It is estimated that only 30% of secondary school aged Tanzanians are in education. This statistic is reduced even further in remote Maasai areas, but Edson is part of changing that trend and inspiring others in his community to change it too. 

Edson’s teachers say he’s already thriving in his favourite subject, English, and has even started to teach his brothers and sisters the language. In this way the whole family can benefit from the education Edson is receiving, providing opportunities for them beyond their small village.

“I love The School of St Jude because they have a lot of teachers and a big library. I am now sharing what I am learning with my family and tribe,’ Edson proudly shares.

It’s truly been a life-changing year for Edson. Not only has he secured his place at St Jude’s, the school’s welfare team has also reached out to doctors at a nearby medical charity, who have agreed to perform an operation to help correct his painful condition.

“I am not scared of the operation as I want my legs to be straight,” Edson announced with that same determination crossing his face once more. While in his mother’s eyes there is a sense of relief.  “We went to the local hospital and were given tablets as treatment but they never worked and I didn’t have the money to take him to the special doctor that they told us to see. I am so thankful the school is now helping us find treatment,” Helena says as tears start to well in her eyes again.

The post-operation recovery is expected to be six weeks of bedrest but Edson knows this is just a small hurdle in achieving his ultimate goal.

“I see myself as an electrical engineer so I can bring electricity to our village, either that or a teacher, like my mother wanted to be,” Edson quietly shares.

A dream that with his tenacious attitude, big heart and bright mind, he can certainly achieve.

The path to his chosen profession is a lot brighter now for Edson, as is the outlook for his whole family, thanks to The School of St Jude, fittingly named after the Saint of hopeless causes.

A label no one will ever call Edson again.

Edson’s academic scholarship, like a number of our new students, is not yet sponsored. His place at St Jude’s is covered by general donations. Sponsor or donate today to see the change in the lives of students like Edson when they benefit from a free, high-quality education.

For as long as 15-year-old Dastan can remember he’s dreamed of soaring high. 

His ambition to become a pilot started from studying picture books under a kerosene lamp – his family didn’t have electricity at their home.

Dastan and his family live in one room in a compound in Lemara, a poor and densely populated area close to Arusha city, located near sewerage works.

Dastan was accepted into The School of St Jude in 2012 in Standard 1, an opportunity he knew he could use to make his dream a reality.

Seven years later, the Form 1 student has been able to take advantage of the resources at St Jude’s and continue his reading in the fully equipped libraries to give him the best chance at a life in the sky.

Part of these extra resources included a school excursion this month to the Kilimanjaro International Airport, a bustling hub of regional and long-haul flights and aircrafts, where industry-leading pilots took Dastan under their wing.

“This has been the best day as I have actually seen pilots at work. I have learnt a lot more of the specifics, like performing the perfect landing and takeoff formations of planes. I would like to work for a big airline like we have seen today, as I would get to travel to new places. I even asked the workers we met today if they had any jobs going but they said I need to go to university first,” Dastan laughed while admiring the a jet landing on the airport’s runway.

It’s a plan that his father Maombe, who works as a security guard and his mother Soki, a factory worker couldn’t be prouder of.

“They are so supportive of me and grateful for all the opportunities St Jude’s is giving me. Before I started at the school life was pretty tough, but when I started at the school my life did a 360, to use an aviation term,” Dastan smiled.

This aviation enthusiast was just one of the 150 wide-eyed Form 1 students thriving from being inside an airport for the first time. None had ever seen an aircraft up close, let alone step on one to travel.

“These practical experiences are part of what differentiates The School of St Jude from other under-resourced government schools. We certainly have many students who want to work in the aviation and travel industries. Quality education is theory, but also practical, and once you take out students to excursions we are giving students motivation to achieve their dreams,” Head of Geography and General Studies, Mr Elimringi said, while ushering students through the airport.

Another highlight was a visit to the airport’s Bureau of Meteorology where students were able to see the topic of weather and climate from their Geography class come to life.

“Weather impacts our lives every day here in Tanzania, in almost every job, so metrology is an important field to understand. I have been able to see how to measure weather practically and I was surprised they had to record rainfall on the rain gauge every three hours,” Form 1 student Beatrice explains, while examining the Bureau’s technology with Dastan.

Both agree that their yearly excursions are preparing them for their future high-flying careers and already have plans about how they will share their good fortune with others.

“One of my wishes is to be able to give back to my fellow St Jude’s students once I am established, help them if they wish to be a pilot too,” Dastan explained, looking out onto the runway.

Certainly Dastan’s flightpath and future is brighter and less bumpy now, compared to the one he first dreamed about under the kerosene lamp, thanks to his St Jude’s education.

Help our student’s dreams get off the ground. Sponsor an academic sponsorship today.

As the St Jude’s Smith Secondary Campus became a bustling exhibition for the annual Science Day, there were some new demonstrators delighted to be part of the much anticipated event. For the first time in the exhibitions’ nine-year history, St Jude’s graduates now teaching at under-resourced government schools as part of the Beyond St Jude’s program, brought their students to demonstrate their hard work.

This collaboration is one of the ways our graduates are giving back to the community through their Community Service Year before going on to higher education.

Njiro Secondary School student, Emmanuel John, presented an impressive environmentally friendly car powered by solar panels and a remote control, with the help of his teacher and St Jude’s graduate, Nembris.

“The direction of the car is created through positive and negative charges. This car has many advantages as it can be sent into remote areas where humans can’t go. They can control it from a distance. It can also be used in our National Parks to protect them and replace cars that are using fuel,” Emmanuel John proudly informed a crowd of students.

This entry caught the eye of the exhibition judges too, with Emmanuel’s project winning the inaugural government school category and Emmanuel receiving a donation to help expand his idea.

But the judges job didn’t stop there. The annual exhibition has traditionally been the birthplace of some of East Africa’s most prominent youth innovations and this year did not disappoint.

“We have had lots of success in our Science Department on a national level and I expect we can have more. Science is growing at the school. We placed 1st and 2nd in the country over the last two years in Tanzania’s Young Scientist Competition. Students are doing projects from the topics they are studying in class,” Acting Science Deputy, Elibariki, explained while judging the projects.

The competition was fierce in the main exhibition categories, with many lab-coated students focusing on environmentally friendly innovations.

Form 4 students, John and Steven, were the overall winners with their creation of a digital home optimization system that works as a wireless security system.

“We are passionate in electronics and gaming. We want to see technology advanced in Tanzania. The project includes automation, a security system and a digital system,” said John bursting with pride, as he and his team accepted their certificate in front of an audience of more than 700.

A tree planting drone, built by Form 3 students Rajab and Athuman, was named runner up with judges impressed with the practicality of the project.

“This is going to be cost effective for the Agriculture sector as we used materials like DVD cassettes to build it from scratch. We need to plant more trees to reduce the risk of global warming too,” Athuman explained while showing students his project.

Taking third spot was Form 6 student David’s natural take on plastic, creating a biodegradable plastic alternative from natural ingredients including water, olive oil, gelatin and table salt.

“It is needed in Tanzania because plastic bags that are not decomposable have recently been banned so this is an alternative that I think could really work,” David enthused.

But innovation and scientific intrigue is not limited by age, with a security robot display curated by Standard 6 students another standout of the day.

“The aim of our project is making Tanzanian homes safer in an environmentally friendly way. We used wood, boxes, jugs, a bucket, solar panels and batteries. It will make an alarm if there is an intruder or if there is a fire near the home,” Standard 7 student Karen shared.

All exhibition winners now have the chance to represent St Jude’s at major events across Tanzania but the success of the day certainly spreads much further, with hundreds of students from all backgrounds and areas now inspired to study science thanks to The School of St Jude.

The 2019 Science Fair may have just discovered the next internationally acclaimed young scientist! Sponsor a student's academic scholarship and help them achieve their dreams.

Wide eyed Form 2 student, Marium, came within meters of a buffalo, a herbivore regarded as one of the most dangerous animals in Africa.

From the safety of a St Jude's school bus, she was seeing her biology and geography classes come to life in the heart of one of Tanzania's renowned national parks, the Arusha National Park.

'My heart was pumping, we had been learning in class the difference between female and male buffalo, so to be seeing them that close was something you just can't experience in the classroom. I could even see their weight, head size and type of horns, Marium excitedly shared, after the encounter.

Located just 25km from the Smith Secondary Campus, the varied national park ecosystem is literally on the doorstep for St Jude's students.

Into the field: 180 students packed out the St Jude's busses for a tour of the park.

This popular National Park is visited by keen geographers and biologists from across the world, yet many Tanzanian children don't get the chance to experience the national park that is located in their own backyard.

The School of St Jude is determined to change that, ensuring students have the opportunity to experience the unique attractions of their own country. Thanks to generous donors, all classes from primary to secondary, participate in at least one excursion trip per year.

With Mount Meru, Africa's fifth highest mountain, making for a spectacular backdrop the intrigued students quizzed the guides about the rare colubus monkeys playing in the canopies above and the grazing zebra herds.

'I did not know there are different types of zebra and we were shown them all here in Arusha National Park, Marium reflected.

The excursion was also about educating the 180 Form 2 students on the threats facing the animals of their homeland.

Classes come to life: Students are taught about the geography of the parks, thanks to qualified guides.

'Animal poaching has been in the news recently and coming to the park we have learnt how we can help stop that. I have learnt how animals depend on each other in the wild. Mama Gemma [referring to Founder, Gemma Sisia] was smart to make the Arusha National Park our extended backyard; I now want to protect it. Instead of just writing in the class, you can see it practically with your own eyes," Form 2 student, Andrea, explained while exploring the dense forest.

It's this experience of being able to relate theory to the real world that is the goal of taking students on this kind of excursion, Head of Geography, Mr Elimringi, said.

'In classes we can really only guide students on theory, so once we expose them to these trips they can interpret the theory in a whole new way. We find these trips often make students more interested and engaged with the subjects, he shared while watching students explore the wetlands.

Outdoor classroom: Head of Geography, Mr Elimringi, briefs students about how their classroom learning relates to the world around them.

When it came time for Marium and her classmates to leave the ranging buffalo herd in their natural habitat, they departed having put their learning into context in one very varied and internationally-renowned classroom.

Help our students learn and explore on excursions outside the classroom. Donate today.

As the lunchtime bell rings, Mr Mcharo concludes his Form 1 physics lesson by confirming homework with students and ensuring all curriculum topics have been covered.

Then, during the short walk to his office, he begins taking calls from students' parents, stopping to answer questions from his team of teachers and replying to urgent emails on his phone.

This is the daily routine for the passionate Headmaster of St Jude’s Smith Secondary Campus, who still teaches one class per week, while working tirelessly to lead the school to the top.

“I want our school to be in Tanzania’s top five, that’s what brings me to work each morning. I am proud of the model of education we offer our students. If you visit the homes of where these students come from, you see why it is important to support them,” Mr Mcharo states, finally taking a seat in his office.

The journey to the Headmaster’s office was not a conventional one for this proud Tanzanian. After a career in telecommunications, the 2009 economic recession saw him leave his job to return to teaching, which he studied year’s earlier.

“I remember I brought my St Jude’s application to the gate and was told to leave it there. Happily, I was called for an interview for the only available role at the time, a physical education teaching role. I loved playing football but it was a big challenge for me to train younger students in the primary school. I almost gave up but now, on the 9th of June 2019, I will be ten years at the school and I have no regrets,” Mr Mcharo reflects.

After a position became available, he returned to teaching his real love, science, and his leadership potential was quickly spotted by the then academic manager.

From a Homeroom Teacher, Level Coordinator and then a Head of Department, Mr Mcharo quickly progressed up the ranks and was finally offered the top job.

“I never thought I would be Headmaster and at the start it wasn’t even a position I wanted. But I gradually became really inspired to be in the academic office, I suppose once I’d started to think in that direction it happened quicker than I even imagined. I was only Academic Deputy for a short time before I was promoted to Secondary Headmaster,” Mr Mcharo says with surprise.

Through his rise to the top office Mr Mcharo credits one project in particular for his success, Science Day, an event becoming more embedded in the school each year.

“As a teacher I feel very proud of our science fair, I designed the logo and we had our first science fair without all the technology we know today. I think that through this project I started making a name for myself, and though I now have less involvement in the details of the event, it is still one of my favourite days in the academic calendar. It made a mark in this school because it has given many students opportunities in national and international science competitions and reinforces the concept of learning by doing,” Mr Mcharo smiled, proudly holding the very first Science Day flyer.

But since taking over the top job Mr Mcharo’s legacy has grown beyond the science fair. Under his watch the school’s academic results have been markedly improving, with Mr Mcharo leading a team that are creating an environment that truly fosters students' growth.

“Our recent A Level and Form 2 results show we are making progress, but I have a lot of ambition for where I’d like us to get to. I don’t get upset for too long if things don’t initially go quite to plan as I don’t want grey hairs at this stage! Every day I do check on our statistics and make sure we are getting closer to the goal of being one of Tanzania’s top five schools.”

Plans to introduce Agriculture into the curriculum is something else that’s close to this headmaster’s heart.

“I am looking forward to introducing Agriculture as a lesson in the school, as our society depends on agriculture and this subject will give our students another good base. We have the advantage of having our school farm with a stream of water going through the campus grounds. We can do theory classes and then use our practical space.”

That forward-thinking, the diversity and unpredictable nature of the job, along with the meetings and the emails, is what continues to motivate this esteemed physics teacher.

“As a Headmaster there are more meetings than you can schedule, so many things to be aware of, but I am still a teacher at heart and being in a classroom brings flavour to my week. The students are fun and they remind me why I am here. I like the school environment, it’s frenetic and you actually interact with people. Every day I make sure I get out from behind my desk.”

“I hope in another five years we would have hit that goal of being one of Tanzania’s top five schools and maintaining that position. I’ll have students who I taught in Form 1 graduating from university studies and then I will be able to see how I have really helped change their future,” Mr Mcharo revealed.

All the while the school’s aim of fighting poverty through education is never far from Mr Mcharo’s mind and heart.

“I still visit students’ homes. I remember I went to one student’s home and I was very tired. They didn’t have a couch so I sat on the ground, looked up, and they had a torn roof. That touched me and will always stay with me.”

Help Mr Mcharo achieve his vision for The School of St Jude by making a donation.

Difficult conversations about the important issues of elephant conservation were made a whole lot easier for St Jude’s ‘Tembo club’ recently, when elephants strayed into the school campus.

“We have a situation, there are some visitors at the school grounds, they’re elephants!”

These are the words the Head Guard of Smith Secondary Campus, Joseph, never thought he would relay to school management, but this year students and staff didn’t have to go on safari to get close to the majestic animals.

The herd had in fact entered the school through a gap in the boundary wall that had succumbed to last year’s heavy rains. The temporary wire fence put in its place while repairs are underway proved an easily conquerable obstacle to these determined, yet gentle, giants.

“I first heard the sound of elephants, or tembos as we call them in Swahili, trumpeting and went to investigate. They were peacefully moving through the campus, causing no damage. It seemed they were trying to get back to the nearby Arusha National Park,” Guard Joseph explained, his surprise evident.

Members of the St Jude’s Tembo Club, advocates for the conservation of the elephant and rhino, were among the curious crowd of spectators and played an important role in keeping students calm, while observing the endangered species.

“I was brushing my shoes ready for Sunday mass, and I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me! There is no way I am seeing elephants on campus I thought. Tembo Club members helped keep students at a safe distance and were able to answer questions because of what we have learnt through our involvement with the club,” Form 6 student and Tembo Club member, Kevin, recalled.

With the help of park rangers and nearby residents, the elephants were herded from campus and safely arrived in the National Park two days later.

From that day the unexpected visitors have sent the St Jude’s Tembo Club into the spotlight. 30 committed students, ranging from Form 2 to Form 6 have been hard at work raising awareness about the animals that sadly face extinction as targets of ivory poachers.

“I have a passion to volunteer and make society aware of these animals. Elephants have many advantages, they are a tourist attraction and that leads to employment and being proud of our country. Many elephants are wrongly killed as many people are in search of their tusks,” Tembo Club member, Nasra, shared.

Now, thanks to the continued support of American Friends of St Jude’s and contributions from the Elephant Cooperation, the Tembo Club is set to have its biggest year yet.

With guidance from teachers with a background in animal science and biodiversity, club members have an opportunity to learn about the animals as well as the complicated relationship that has evolved living in such close proximity to people.

“We were able to follow up on the elephants in this area and their habits and found that years back there were elephants who roamed the area we now call Smith Secondary Campus. Elephants are smart animals so we think these were actually tracing their ancestor’s routes,” Tembo Club teacher John clarified.

The roots of the club have even branched out to the community. Catherine and Christina, St Jude’s graduates now in their Community Service Year with the Beyond St Jude’s program, held a Tembo Club meeting at a local government school which more than 40 students attended.

“Some people think that conducting the ivory black market is a good thing because they can get furniture. It’s a disappointment that these views are still held even today. Poaching means we destroy natural resources that are beneficial to us. The elephants’ visit to Smith Secondary Campus has only reinforced the importance of Tembo Club to the community,” former Tembo Club President, Christina shared.

Meaning while the tembos may have left our secondary campus, the message of their conservation is travelling with them outside the school gates, helped along by a group of impassioned St Jude’s students, known as the Tembo Club.

Help our students explore their passions in extracurricular clubs by donating today.