For four straight years, Jordan followed a tight schedule. He started his day at 4am, dedicating the next hour and a half to personal studies. By 6:20am, Jordan was ready to begin the 40-minute walk to school. He would return home around 6:30pm, spending an additional hour and a half after school in group discussions and revisions.
"The government school I attended didn't have enough boarding facilities for all students," explains Jordan. "Nevertheless, I had to do everything I could to pass my national examinations."
In Tanzania, there are two key stages to secondary schooling. The first four years of secondary school are called Ordinary Level (O Level) studies, from Form 1 to Form 4, and the final two years of secondary school are called Advanced Level (A Level), Forms 5 and 6. Students must sit for a series of standardised examinations organised by the government at the end of each stage. Only those that pass may continue onto the next level.
Jordan had to ace his Form 4 national examination to stand a chance of continuing with A Level studies. In 2023, close to 600,000 candidates sat for the exam. With only close to 1,000 A Level schools in the country, a student has to do exceedingly well in the exams to earn a spot in any of these schools.
"Two of my older siblings never made it to A Level," shares Jordan. "I have two younger siblings and my mother back at home. They were all rooting for me because I would be the first one in the family to do so," he adds passionately.
As Jordan approached his national examinations, his mother paid additional accommodation fees so that he could move into a boarding facility close to school. The support from his family and Jordan's hard work eventually paid off. He passed his national examinations with flying colours and was one of the top-performing students at his school!
"It was like a celebration when the results came out," reflects Jordan excitedly. "Everyone was so proud of me and it makes all the effort worth it."
Despite the impressive results, Jordan's path to A Level wasn't guaranteed. The shortage of secondary schools in Tanzania means that not every qualified graduate makes it to the next stage. The only way to get into a government secondary school is through an allocation by the government, which happens several months after the results are announced.
"Missing out on a government school would surely mean the end of the journey for me," says Jordan. "The only other option would be to join a private school, which we couldn't afford. I had done my part, now I had to wait and hope for the best," he adds.
Luckily for Jordan, he didn't need to wait long. His impressive academic results earned him an invitation to apply for an academic scholarship at St Jude's. Jordan jumped at the opportunity. He aced the academic tests and passed the rigorous poverty assessment checks to secure a spot at St Jude's. His strong academic prowess, underprivileged background, and strong character made him an ideal candidate for the scholarship.
"I have only been at St Jude's a few weeks, but it's already made a lasting impression on me. I'm now exploring my curiosity with computers and trying out different activities within the school," says Jordan, who hadn't used a computer before St Jude's.
Jordan is pursuing physics, chemistry, and mathematics in his A Level studies and hopes to become an engineer someday. St Jude's holistic approach to education turns motivated students like Jordan into well-rounded individuals. Provided with a quality learning environment, strong academic program, and robust co- and extracurricular activities, students graduate from St Jude's better equipped to lift their families and communities out of poverty. With his hard work and determination, it's thrilling to imagine how much he'll accomplish in his next two years at St Jude's.
Attending a graduation ceremony at St Jude’s is an experience like no other. It’s a day of pride and celebration, representing years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. St Jude’s hosts three graduation ceremonies a year, corresponding to the three main levels of the Tanzanian school system, and a recognition ceremony for its alumni finishing their tertiary education.
The three key stages of school in Tanzania consist of seven years of primary school from Standard 1 to 7, then four years of secondary school from Form 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. A graduation ceremony marks the end of each stage as students progress to the next phase of their academic journey.
While each graduation is a memorable occasion, the Form 6 graduation holds a special significance as it marks the transition to higher education in universities and colleges.
“It’s been a wonderful journey, and we leave St Jude’s with lovely memories,” says Andrea, Form 6 graduate, in his farewell speech on graduation day. “The achievements we’ve made demonstrate how exceptional our time here has been,” he adds.
With 200 graduates, the 2024 Form 6 cohort was the second-largest group to graduate from St Jude’s. Their outstanding accomplishments include winning several national and international sports and essay writing competitions, excelling in regional and zonal exams, and pioneering impactful initiatives that are gaining recognition in the greater community.
“We stand here today as a testament to how we’ve fulfilled the school’s mission,” says Andrea. “We hope to achieve even greater things because of what has been invested in us throughout our time at St Jude’s,” he adds.
Completing secondary education is a remarkable achievement for students in Tanzania. However, several socio-economic barriers still hinder many students, particularly females, from completing secondary education. Existing gender disparities in enrolment and high dropout rates mean that only 27% of Tanzanian girls who start A Level, reach Form 6 graduation.
At St Jude's, however, all secondary school students receive 100% free, quality education, which includes safe boarding accommodation, nutritious meals, extracurricular programs, and more. The school’s holistic approach to education and promotion of gender equality ensures girls excel academically and in other areas. As a result, the school consistently maintains a 100% completion rate for all secondary school students.
“One of our girls made it to the top 10 of the regional mock examinations, another invented a bean sorting machine that won first place on Science Day, and still another launched an initiative to support government school students with sanitary pads,” Noreen proudly shared at the graduation speech.
The 2024 graduation ceremony was particularly special as it was the 10th Form 6 graduation in St Jude’s history. Fittingly, it recorded the highest number of international visitors in attendance – over 90—in addition to more than 100 local guests, board members, alumni, and government officials. Among them was Mark Cubit, chairperson of the Australian board, Pat Sutliff, from our American Friends of The School of St Jude board, and David Stellar, who helped build the first three classrooms at St Jude’s more than 20 years ago.
“From little things, big things grow. And as you can see all around you, St Jude’s is changing lives as personified by the graduating class,” says David, as he reflects on the 20+ year journey of St Jude’s.
The next step for the graduates is pursuing higher education at various universities and colleges. Most opt to apply to the Beyond St Jude’s Scholarship Program (BSJSP), which supports graduates with tertiary education.
As part of the BSJSP, the selected graduates will undertake Community Service placements, volunteering as teachers in understaffed government schools, or at various placements throughout St Jude's. Then they go on to access higher education supported by St Jude's sponsors and donors.
Whichever path they choose, we know our graduates will personify the school’s vision of an educated community of moral and intellectual leaders, fighting poverty in Tanzania.
St Jude's firmly upholds the principle of equal opportunity for all, regardless of tribe, family, or gender, in accessing education, resources, and opportunities. Over the years the school has taken intentional steps to create a supportive environment where women and girls can thrive and impact their communities.
First a quick note of the school system here in Tanzania; there are seven years of primary school from Standard 1 to 7, then four years of secondary school called Ordinary Level (O Level) from Form 1 to 4, and then the final two years of secondary school called Advanced Level (A Level), Form 5 and 6.
One of the most enduring cultures at St Jude’s is the spirit of compassion and helping those in need. Throughout the year, students and staff support the community in various ways.
“Every other weekend, our students are out volunteering at an orphanage, cleaning the marketplace, or sharing their skills and knowledge with students from neighbouring schools,” says Focus, a staff and mentor of Interact Club at the school.
This year, St Jude’s launched another impactful initiative to support the community, particularly patients in need of blood transfusion. In March, the school introduced a bi-annual blood donation drive for eligible staff and students to voluntarily participate.
“We saw the need to step in and help local hospitals around our communities replenish their blood banks,” says Irene, who helped organise a recent blood drive at St Jude’s. “From medical emergencies and accidents, to supporting mothers during childbirths, our hospitals could always use the extra blood units,” she adds.
The first round saw 81 volunteers, including students at St Jude’s Girls’ Secondary School and staff participate in the blood drive. The turnout was so good that it earned St Jude’s special recognition from Arusha’s largest referral hospital as the biggest blood donation drive by a single institution in its history.
“It was a pleasant surprise,” says Irene excitedly. “We only had a few weeks to organise the drive and had initially estimated the blood drive to only take a few hours. In the end, it lasted the entire day! It was wonderful to see the St Jude’s community coming together once again in support of such an impactful program,” she adds.
The blood donation drive was a collaborative effort between St Jude's welfare and academic teams, with support from Arusha's biggest referral hospital.
"We wanted to ensure that the drive was organised efficiently," says Irene. “The hospital helped organise an information session for our students and staff ahead of the drive and the school arranged a special lunch for everyone who donated their blood,” she adds.
Fatuma, one of the talented hosts of our monthly podcast, was one of the 63 students at St Jude’s Girls’ Secondary School who participated in the blood drive. Beyond the podcast, she is an incredible athlete aspiring to become a P.E. teacher and understands the importance of donating blood in saving lives.
“I first learned from my sister, who is a nurse, that blood can be used to help people, particularly mothers during childbirth,” says Fatuma. “So when this opportunity arrived, I immediately volunteered,” she adds excitedly.
It’s also quite fitting that the record-setting blood drive happened at St Jude’s Girls’ Secondary School during a month dedicated to celebrating women. Soon, St Jude’s will conduct another blood drive at Smith Campus and continue supporting local hospitals with extra blood. It’s part of a new tradition at St Jude’s where students and staff unite to save lives.
Happyness is a student at St Jude’s Primary School. She joined the school in 2022 at seven years old and started Standard 4 this year. Happyness loves playing netball and volleyball. Her dream is to become a soldier and protect her country.
Happyness recently spent a month at home for the end-of-year school holidays. We caught up with her about her recent holiday and plans for the new year.
Chips and chicken is my favorite food.
Yes, I set a goal for myself to maintain my current academic performance for A grades in all my subjects. I believe that achieving this will help me improve and succeed in my studies.
I had a great time watching movies and cartoons, and I played with my friends from the neighbourhood.
I really enjoy studying, and this term, I want to put in hard work and do well in my exams.
My favorite activity was playing hide and seek with my cousins. It was so much fun. I also helped with chores at home which made me feel responsible.
Yes, I had a wonderful time visiting my aunt in Karatu. It was a wonderful experience. I enjoyed spending time with my family there.
Every day on her way to school, Winkista walks beside a small garden at the edge of St Jude’s Girls’ Secondary School Campus. The mere sight of the flourishing pawpaw, mango, and avocado fruits at the garden gives her a sense of joy, pride, and motivation to start her day.
“I love the elegance and beauty of plants and vegetation,” says Winkista, a student at St Jude’s Girls’ Secondary School. “So having a garden as the first thing that I see when walking to school is simply the best way to start the day,” she adds.
At St Jude’s, Winkista’s love and passion for gardening found its place at the Entrepreneurship Club, one of the 12 extracurricular clubs where students can join and develop a variety of skills and knowledge in different fields. At the club, she interacts with like-minded students with similar interests and learns the entrepreneurial side of agriculture.
“It is really interesting that I could one day turn my passion into a source of income,” says Winkista. “I have been hearing a lot about the huge potential in agriculture but being at the club has helped me realise this in a practical way. It is one of those things that are best learned when doing,” she adds.
In Tanzania, agriculture plays a crucial role in the economy. According to data from USAID, Tanzania’s agriculture sector contributes nearly one-third of the country’s GDP and employs nearly 75% of the population. As the main source of food, nutrition, income and employment for the majority, especially rural populations, agriculture holds a lot of potential to increase incomes and improve livelihoods.
“When the Entrepreneurship Club was started, we knew it had to involve agriculture because it is one of the largest sectors in Tanzania,” reflects Ms Osempia, a teacher at St Jude’s and one of the founders and mentors of the club. “Although students can still learn about entrepreneurship in many other ways, agriculture remains one of the easiest and most affordable entry points for would-be entrepreneurs because of the vast amount of opportunities available in the sector,” she adds.
Ms Osepmia coordinates with fellow mentors of the club to create a learning structure, and guidance, and oversee all projects under the club.
“We train our students to think like an entrepreneur from the start and treat all projects like a business,” says Ms Osempia. “So they learn about planning, budgeting, market research, analysing trends in the market, risk assessment, and so on. Most students love gardening but if they are going to be successful entrepreneurs, they need to learn these principles early on,” she adds.
The Entrepreneurship Club is one of the most popular and thriving clubs at the school, it currently has over 40 student members.
“It fills me with great pride and hope that the club gaining such popularity here at girls’ school,” says Ms Osempia. “A time will come when our girls won’t necessarily have to wait to get employed, they could just leverage their skills to make a life for themselves and others,” she adds.
Ms Osempia’s comments are supported by Agneta, another Entrepreneurship Club student member and one of the student leaders at the club. Agneta has big dreams of running a successful business and providing employment opportunities for others.
“I have been a member of the club for two years now,” says Agneta proudly. “The skills that I have gained at the club – both on and off the field will go a long way to helping me run and manage a successful business in the future,” she adds.
Agneta’s role as an elected leader of the club has further shaped her ambition of starting her own business.
“Taking on projects with my fellow student members is one of my favourite things at the club,” says Agneta. “We manage the daily operations of our projects at school and that usually means we have to work together and cooperate on things. Some tasks such as digging up the ground, cultivating, and tendering plants require a lot of work and dedication, but ultimately they help foster togetherness and make the harvest at the end worth all the effort!” she says.
In addition to running a fruit garden at the school, members of the Entrepreneurship Club also run a poultry project at a nearby Moivaro Boarding Campus. The club taps into the unique skills and creativity of students allowing them to not only find solutions but leveraging them to make a living for themselves.
