When St Jude’s Founder, Gemma Sisia, wrote Alex Elifas’ introductory letter to his sponsor in 2003, she already suspected his future was going to be bright.
“I think we will be rewarded in years to come, as I have a feeling Alex wants to go VERY far with his education!” Gemma predicted.
She wasn’t wrong. Alex has gone very far…all the way to Stanford University on a full scholarship, in fact! Stanford University is the second top-ranked university in the United States.
The prestigious college has educated thousands of influential historical figures, including Nobel laureates and United States presidential candidates.
Alex may have aimed high and landed among the stars, but he has never lost connection to his Tanzanian homeland and The School of St Jude.
Alex has brought his St Jude’s journey full circle by becoming our very first graduate to sponsor an academic scholarship for one of our students!
“I decided to become a sponsor in November 2017. After I graduated from St Jude’s, I signed up to Gemma’s newsletter list. Now and then, I’d visit the School’s website and see what was happening but this day was different. I was on the website and had begun thinking about how St Jude’s changed my life.”
“Ever since I was a child, I knew I wanted to give back to the School when I became successful, but then I remembered there were high school students in Australia who sponsored St Jude’s scholarships,” Alex said.
“I am working whilst completing my studies, so there’s no time like the present to start giving back. I am already successful – I don’t need to wait until I become a doctor.”
Alex shares sponsorship for Standard 3 student, Abie, who, like Alex, enjoys studying mathematics and sciences. “I loved receiving my first sponsorship letter from Abie. It reminded me of times I used to write to my sponsor,” Alex fondly recalls.
Alex will be visiting St Jude’s in July, when he is back home for his summer break, and is looking forward to meeting Abie in person.
“The best advice I will give him is to study hard. We come from the same place and similar backgrounds. I never knew that studying hard would pay off the way it has for me,” Alex said.
Alex is grateful to many St Jude’s teachers who instilled in him positive core beliefs and encouraged him to pursue his dreams.
“Mr Mcharo [Acting Secondary Headmaster] was my neighbour. He used to walk home with me sometimes and once, he told me I would become one of the best students in the country. He saw my potential.”
Another person Alex admires is Gemma Sisia, without whom, a free, high quality education would not have been possible.
“Gemma is very strong, starting a school in Tanzania without knowing where the money would come from, keeping faith that things would work out. I am so grateful to her. She is making an incredible impact on Tanzania,” Alex believes.
In Gemma’s book St Jude’s, published in 2005, she included a short passage about Alex.
“Alex is a gorgeous, hard-working boy, the youngest of many children. I know that things are often tight for him at home but his ambition when he grows up isn’t to try to make his own life more comfortable, but to work with orphans whom he sees as having an even harder life than his own.”
More than 10 years on, Gemma is seeing her dream for St Jude’s, realised through the same young boy she remembers playing on a swing set.
“It was a huge milestone for us when we found out Alex was becoming a sponsor. This is what we want to see: St Jude’s students feeling compelled to give back to their own community. I can’t wait to catch up with Alex again and tell him personally how happy and inspired I am by him,” Gemma said.
With a Stanford degree ahead of him, it’s just the beginning for our Alex, but already, he’s left an indelible mark on St Jude’s. He’s left a legacy which, we hope, many graduates will carry forward.
You, like Alex, can leave a legacy at St Jude’s. With our 2018 Appeal match until June 30, there’s never been a better time to fight poverty through education and sponsor or donate today.
Some quotes translated from Kiswahili
Janelle, Clorinda, Timuana and Octavia are uniquely bonded by their shared devotion to one of our 2018 graduates, Denis.
Janelle has sponsored Denis since his first day at St Jude’s in Standard 1. She, along with her two daughters, Timuana and Clorinda, travelled from Queensland, Australia, to be by his side as he finished secondary school.
Janelle and her husband, Peter, who passed away in 2016, were inspired to help fight poverty through education when they heard about St Jude’s through Rotary.
Janelle decided to pay tribute to her husband by attending Denis’ graduation and bringing her two daughters with her, so they could understand their parents’ passion for our cause.
Janelle and Denis shared an emotional reunion at Sisia Primary Campus on Monday May 21, having last seen each other in 2005, and later that day, he took them to visit his home and meet his guardian, Octavia.
At Form 6 Graduation on May 26, Octavia joined hands with Janelle, Clorinda and Timuana, in celebration of Denis’ achievements.
Several years ago, due to difficult circumstances in Denis’ home life, Octavia agreed to open her home to him, whilst he completed his education at St Jude’s.
“When I took in another son, I wanted him to feel secure and not lonely. Now, Denis has a family and I want him to succeed in his life. Denis has brought joy to us. He helps Alexander with his chores and I am so proud to see him graduate,” Octavia shared.
Octavia is a dedicated member of St Jude’s Parent Committee and has been a passionate advocate for St Jude’s in the local community since her son, Alexander, earned his academic scholarship in Standard 1, nearly 16 years ago.
Alexander graduated from Form 6 at St Jude’s in 2016. He completed his Beyond St Jude’s Community Service Year in 2017 as an intern in our Visitor team and is now studying his Bachelor in Economic Science and Communications, through Beyond St Jude’s Tertiary program, at the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s top university.
“Without help from St Jude’s, I could not have afforded to give my son the same privilege he has now. I have other children to support and I would not have been able to afford to send Alexander to university,” Octavia said.
Janelle and her daughters were profoundly moved by Octavia’s generosity and passion for the School.
“Octavia is a beautiful person. This lady has given Denis the gift of a family home. Denis is a special young man — a young leader — and he is so grateful for the gift of an education. My husband Peter would have been proud to meet him as the wonderful young man he has become,” Janelle revealed.
After 13 years of sponsorship, she is passing the beacon of hope to Timuana, who has agreed to financially support Denis through his Beyond St Jude’s Community Service Year.
“I always knew this was a special cause, but being at St Jude’s and seeing the community impact first-hand has changed mine and Clorinda’s lives. There was no way I could walk away from this without giving something back, and Denis will always mean so much to our family.”
“Meeting his guardian, Octavia, was an amazing experience. This mother is so kind and genuine. She has taken in this young man and raised him as her own. She deserves to receive so much gratitude in her own right,” Timuana said.
Octavia, Janelle, Timuana and Clorinda may be separated by oceans, but they have joined hands to give an opportunity to one of Tanzania’s future moral and intellectual leaders.
Will you take someone’s hand too? Share their story and sponsor a student or make a donation during our 2018 Annual Appeal.
They say a picture tells a thousand words, and it was indeed an image to be imprinted on the hearts of all who attended St Jude’s fourth Form 6 Graduation: the sight of 70 Form 6 students, raising their arms in triumph and celebration at Smith Secondary Campus on May 26.
They have reached a milestone which is unattainable for many young people in Tanzania – graduating from secondary school.
The Class of 2018 joins the ranks of 325 bright, young leaders who have successfully graduated from The School of St Jude since 2015, venturing into the world as the moral and intellectual leaders of tomorrow.
In the words of School of St Jude Board Chairwoman, Bibiana Mardai, “our graduates paint the most beautiful picture of Tanzania’s future.”
St Jude’s Founding Director, Gemma Sisia, honoured students and all supporters who have given them a hand up throughout 13 years of education.
“It is thanks to good people from all around the world that this day is made possible for our Form 6 graduates,” Gemma insisted.
“The Class of 2018 hold all the tools they’ll need to reach their ambitions and make a difference in Tanzanian society,” she said.
Thousands of generous supporters who make education possible for all our students, were represented by 38 sponsors, donors and visitors from the international community in attendance at the Graduation Day ceremony.
Guest of Honour, Dr Richard Masika, Board Director for The School of St Jude, stirred the crowd with a powerful message for the graduating class, encouraging them to look towards the road ahead.
“Students are harvesting the fruits of their hard work. Finishing secondary education prepares you for the future. But, it is important to remember that finishing school does not mean the end of the road. It is the end of one stretch and the beginning of another,” he began.
“Be patient in reaching success. To whom support is given, support from them towards others is expected. Remember your responsibility to support your family, your community and Tanzania.”
Another highlight from the day was a passionate address from Christina, 2017 school captain and 2018 graduate, who reflected on her time at St Jude’s with insight and gratitude.
“Academically, we have competed against the best schools in Tanzania. With the help of our teachers, we have worked diligently. We hope we pass our exams with flying colours, proving our efforts and achievements.”
“We have learnt essential leadership skills. We have the knowledge to face the problems in our community as we go out in to the world."
"Our school values of Respect, Responsbility, Honesty and Kindness, have helped us become the leaders we are. Thank you, St Jude’s, for growing our hearts and our minds,” Christina said.
Monica Hart, a long-time School of St Jude sponsor, spoke straight from the heart to our graduates.
“You are a true example of what you can achieve once the opportunity presents itself. You have proved that you are capable of reaching the heights that were once so unattainable. As sponsors, it is with such happiness that we take you into our lives, we take pride in your work ethic, how you face your daily struggles, and your abilities to succeed.”
“The way your parents felt when you were accepted – well that’s how we felt when we were given your name.”
“I met Mama Gemma 20 years ago, at my first Rotary conference and she was one of the guest speakers. There were over 1,000 Rotarians in attendance. There she stood, this one young girl, and she spoke from her heart. She had no money to build a school, faced many hurdles, but did she ever give up? No, she held her head high and look where we are today,” Monica shared.
Where we are today was unprecedented when The School of St Jude opened in 2002.
We are educating 1,800 students, with a cohort of 395 graduates, and hundreds of alumni who have already given back through participation in the Beyond St Jude’s Community Service Year, teaching 30,000 students in Tanzanian government schools.
Our achievements so far are a testament to the combined effort of thousands of people worldwide, who take our students’ hands and lead them through the gateway to a bright future.
What are you waiting for? Give us a hand and in turn, you’ll give young Tanzanians a chance to succeed. Donate or sponsor today.
Note: quotes have been amended in parts for clarity.
St Jude’s students are testament to what young people can accomplish when afforded strong educational foundations and the resources and tools to excel.
Winning international awards and receiving commendations from world leaders, our students are already realising the School’s vision to educate the future leaders of Tanzania.
St Jude’s educates over 1,000 students from Form 1 through to Form 6 at the Smith Secondary Campus, all have the potential to be future leaders within their community and many dream of doing just that.
Form 1 students are at the very beginning of their journey into secondary level education. This is itself an achievement – only an estimated 12% of the adult population (over the age of 25) in Tanzania have received a secondary education.
Their journey is made possible through the generous and unwavering commitment of sponsors who cover the costs of a student’s academic scholarship for a minimum of three years, and ideally for a student’s entire education with St Jude’s.
“Sponsoring an academic scholarship for a student is an incredibly rewarding experience” says St Jude’s Founder, Gemma Sisia.
“For our students, securing an education at St Jude’s is a pivotal moment in their lives, opening up opportunities that they otherwise wouldn’t have access to."
“It’s especially crucial for the 40 or so new students who join us in Form 1 from government primary schools. Secondary school is a really fundamental time in a student’s education and development. Knowing that there is someone investing in their future has a profound and empowering effect on them." “
It’s also often a profound experience for our sponsors too. Getting to know a student, learning how different their life in Tanzania is and following their success can be very moving, and is definitely humbling.”
Whilst all students who are offered a place at St Jude’s have the cost of their education and boarding covered, not all of them have sponsors supporting them directly. Those without sponsors have to be supported through donations made to our Unsponsored Student Fund. Though the fund helps to give them an education, they miss out on building a relationship with a sponsor through letters and even visits, and learning about the wider world.
Irene is one of these new Form 1 students and is looking forward to making the most of her new found opportunities at the School. She is also hoping her scholarship will soon be sponsored.
“I am a girl coming from a single parent family. My mother is constantly ill making it hard for her to provide basic needs for the family and support my siblings. Giving me a chance to study at St Jude’s opens a whole new opportunity to end poverty for my family."
“St Jude’s has all the resources needed [for me] to excel academically.
“Sponsors enable the School to provide us with three meals a day, school uniforms, teachers, textbooks, electricity, water and a bed of my own to rest on after a long school day,” says Irene.
“Without sponsors we cannot study at this school […] being sponsored changes it all.”
Like every student at St Jude’s Irene has big dreams and plans for her future.
“St Jude’s gives me the assurance for a brighter future as I aspire to become an engineer, a career that would give me and my family financial stability.” Thanks to our supporters the sky’s the limit for Irene and the bright young students in Form 1 and they’re reaching for it.
Sponsor a Form 1 student like Irene today and give them the greatest gift you can, a good education. Who knows… you could be sponsoring the next Wangari Muta Maathai (female East African scientist and Noble Peace Prize recipient)! Click here for more information.
When Erick and Prosper took out the top prize at last year’s Science Exhibition, they could not have predicted their success would lead them beyond St Jude’s school gates, let alone across the African continent and over the sea to Europe!
The innovation named, The Use of Mobile Networks as a Fire Alert System, earned them the title of Young Scientists Tanzania 2017. The unstoppable duo have received commendations from world leaders, including Tanzania’s Prime Minister Kassim Majiliwa and Ireland’s President Michael Higgins.
“We are using technology to alleviate problems facing our society and trying to help Tanzania become more advanced in this area. We began with making a smoke sensor, which distributes signals to the mobile phone in the instance of a fire, and when the signals enter the phone, the phone converts it immediately and makes a call to the fire fighters, plus the owner of the house,” Erick explained.
“After reaching first place at St Jude’s Science Day last year, we presented the project at Nelson Mandela University. From there, we were nominated by the university to showcase the innovation at an exhibition in Dar es Salaam.”
“The Prime Minister of Tanzania saw our project and was highly impressed. We then competed in the Young Scientists Tanzania competition and won the overall prize,” Prosper said.
As a part of their prize, Erick and Prosper travelled to South Africa to present their project at the Eskom showcase for young scientists. They then travelled to Ireland, where they presented at the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, where Ireland’s President Michael Higgins heaped praise on our students and urged all exhibitors to continue pursuing excellence!
“The world depends on the young generation to influence changes in society. It is this generation who are showing enthusiasm and addressing global challenges through sustainable development,” President Higgins said.
Whilst in Ireland, Erick and Prosper had the chance to meet with company representatives who have worked on similar innovations and were willing to offer advice to Tanzania’s superstar scientists.
“It was a great privilege to be introduced to company officials and visit their organisation, and learn about the latest technological developments,” Prosper said.
Erick, 18, and Prosper, 16, returned to St Jude’s with a spring in their step as Form 4 students this year, determined to inspire their peers and generate enthusiasm for Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects.
“Many students want to know how we reached success. I always tell them, when I first participated in St Jude’s Science Exhibition in 2016 with a different project, I did not participate to win, but to improve. I tell these students to feed their passion. Do not waste time. Never lose track of the future,” Erick said.
Both Erick and Prosper attribute the foundation of their success to the free, high quality education they receive at St Jude’s.
“When I think about what The School of St Jude has done for me, I become emotional. I am the only person in my family who has travelled abroad and had access to good education. I know I will become a sponsor one day too,” Erick shared.
“This school gives students endless opportunities to achieve their dreams,” Prosper added.
Erick and Prosper are just beginning their journey on the road to success. You could support the journey of the next young innovator! Make a donation to The School of St Jude.
A physics class at Smith Secondary Campus four years ago inspired Eunice to make a difference in a unique and innovative way.
During a lesson about refrigeration in 2013, Eunice conjured the idea to invent a low-cost refrigerator made of commonly used household materials such as tiles, cement and charcoal, for Tanzanians living in rural communities.
“Many people in my own community have enough food, but they do not benefit from it because it starts to decay before they have the chance to consume it, as they do not have electricity. I wanted to explore alternative means of preservation.”
Eunice, currently a Beyond St Jude’s Community Service Year intern in our Purchasing team, spent the remainder of 2013 researching low-cost means of storing fresh food, and launched her project at St Jude’s Science Exhibition in 2014.
Four years later, Eunice’s model has been replicated and people in her community benefit from the innovation.
“A farmer in the community approached me when he heard about the project and wanted to make something similar to preserve meat and milk. I willingly shared my knowledge with him and hope to keep developing my idea so more people can benefit in the future.”
Although the project continues to positively affect the wider community, Eunice had to overcome several challenges in the beginning.
“Many people in Tanzania still assume science is a male-dominated area. People would say to me, ‘you are a girl, why bother working in this field?’” In an age of rapid technological advancement, Eunice faced the unique challenge of justifying why a simple, low-tech innovation was relevant.
“Most people want electronic refrigerators and electricity in their houses. At first, people thought I was too ‘local’, as imported technology is popular among Tanzanians. We as a country are still developing and reaching international standards. However, my project is helping people in need.”
Eunice has been accepted as a MasterCard Scholar through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at African Leadership Academy, to the African Leadership University in Mauritius, where she hopes to study business administration. This will help her to develop and continue improving her innovation.
“Tanzania needs professionals in industry development and agriculture. I want this project to benefit as many people as possible.”
Eunice has proven herself as a future leader, entrepreneur and innovator. Her commitment to serving the community through science sets a positive example for girls and young women!
“Some girls have fears about studying sciences. I remind those girls that science is fun. Science is life. It is the origin of everything we see around us, both natural and human-made.”
Through your support, Eunice is already creating change and improving the lives of her fellow Tanzanians.
