In July, 42 new Form 5 students tied their shoelaces, pulled up their socks and adjusted their St Jude’s uniform for the very first time.

The aspiring scholars have clung to high hopes through years of anticipation and perseverance.

One of these students is Agness. At 18 years old, she’s on the cusp of reaching her dreams — pursuing her love for drama, and becoming an engineer.

Clever and confident, Agness was invited by the headmaster of her government school to take our Form 5 entrance exam at Sisia campus earlier this year.

Flashing a broad smile, Agness fondly remembered the life-changing moment she learnt she’d been accepted into St Jude’s.

“I live with my grandfather, grandmother, uncles, aunties and sisters; I have two older sisters, and a twin!” Agness said. 

“My family felt so happy, especially my grandfather. He was thankful for the St Jude’s staff who visited us, and thankful to God for the opportunity.” 

“My twin sister still attends a government school. It’s different for her, because the support you get from teachers in government schools is small compared to the support from St Jude’s teachers.” she recalled. 

“I used to have to find answers to questions by myself, but at St Jude’s, we collaborate with other students in discussion groups and the teachers always help us.”

Acceptance into St Jude’s opens the door to a bright future; however, in Tanzania, the transition from a government school to an English-medium school presents unique challenges. 

“The first time I came through the St Jude’s gates, I was nervous because it was a new environment. I didn’t know anyone. I came here wearing my government school uniform, then I collected my St Jude’s uniform. When I first saw myself wearing it in the mirror, I looked so happy,” Agness said. 

“St Jude’s is good, the teachers are excellent, and I finally have enough learning materials. The students cooperate with the teachers, so we can all study and perform very well,” she explained. 

Unstoppable Agness, a self-taught English speaker, is learning new and exciting things every day from her school friends. 

“We can join so many clubs and do activities here! I like drama, singing and I want to be a volunteer,” she grinned.

“I believe anything is possible if you work hard. I always had hope for myself, but my goals are only really possible now because of St Jude’s,” Agness remarked. 

“I want to say thank you to The School of St Jude’s supporters for giving us the chance to come here. I didn’t expect to get this opportunity. Even though I don’t have a sponsor yet, I am hopeful. This feels like a dream come true.”

Would you like to help a new student’s dream come true? You can today, by becoming a sponsor!

Imagine being a young female, whose life comes to a standstill each month because she lacks access to feminine hygiene products.

This is a reality for around 85% of Tanzanian schoolgirls between the ages of 11-19. A number of trailblazing St Jude’s students are working to change that statistic. 

The courageous girls were inspired to make reusable pads for their Science Fair project.

Kilimba, Veronica and Zamda, with a number of their peers, decided to take on the challenging task after attending a seminar and meeting like-minded students from other schools. 

“There were girls at the seminar who had made pads on a tailoring machine. We asked our teachers if we could do the same thing,” Kilimba said. 

“Some people use kanga (soft material) when their period comes, but it is uncomfortable and not hygienic. The girls in the villages sit on ash or stiff porridge while they have their periods. They cannot do any activities and they miss out on school. They sit on the ash or porridge until the period goes away,” she shared. 

The students’ washable, durable pads are made from common household items. 

“We had two pieces of cloth, we cut them in the shape of the sanitary pads and used plastic to make sure it doesn’t leak. Then, we put part of an old mattress or some cotton wool in the middle and we sewed it together,” Veronica explained. 

Empathy and compassion compelled the young women to design a product which would benefit girls in village communities. 

“We care because we feel sad that girls can’t go to school when they are on their period. And, we just imagine – who could that person become if she had the chance to sit a national examination? That’s why we made the pads,” Kilimba, Veronica and Zamda agreed. 

School Registrar, Girls’ Affairs and Character Management Mistress, Ms Pendo, appreciates her students’ bravery and willingness to tackle a taboo cultural issue. 

“This is a girls’ issue and Kilimba thought more deeply about it. When we get our first periods, our mothers tell us we are grownups and that we must stay away from boys. This is the only information most girls receive. There are cultural boundaries,” Ms Pendo said. 

Students at St Jude’s are grateful for the support of staff like Ms Pendo, who give them knowledge and advice and encourage girls to ask questions. Ms Pendo also works with the school nurses to provide sanitary items to students who need them. 

“We are comfortable because at least we know how to look after ourselves and we can grow in confidence and perform academically at St Jude’s,” Zamda said. 

Indeed, the students know that knowledge is power. 

“We want to find support and go to villages where people can’t afford pads.

We will give away our reusable pads and visit churches, schools and families to provide knowledge,” the students claimed. 

“It’s really important to give knowledge instead of money. For this issue, it is better to give education. Education can help people.” 

St Jude’s supporters who are Fighting Poverty Through Education, empower students like Kilimba, Veronica and Zamda to do the same for others. You too can become a sponsor and help us break the cycle of poverty. 

The evenings at our secondary campus were a hum in June. As the submission deadline neared, drafting and redrafting happened at rapid speed in the library, study hall and dorms. 

Every year, St Jude’s Headmaster Essay Competition is open to all secondary students with words of wisdom to share. The most considered and contested themes of 2017 include leadership, education, the environment, and inspirational role models.

The competition is organised annually by Mr Joseph, a passionate English teacher at Smith Campus. 

“Currently, we have the East African Essay Competition externally. It is open to students from many schools and they may write in either Kiswahili or English. Because St Jude’s is an English-Medium school, the students write in English,” Mr Joseph said. 

“The competition helps to build students’ grammar and confidence.” 
One student who met with success is Veronica. The insightful author wrote a prize-winning essays about one of our secondary teachers. 

“I joined the competition because I can express my ideas, feelings and views. I decided to write about a Physics teacher, Mr Mcharo, because he inspires me. He is really encouraging and gives us good information about science. Physics is not my favourite subject – Civics is – but I really like the way Mr Mcharo teaches,” Veronica said. 

A humble Mr Mcharo was overwhelmed by his student’s tribute. 

“I feel proud to know I have inspired someone. I teach Physics which is considered challenging and abstract. If you don't learn to inspire kids through storytelling, they may think the subject isn't worth their effort. We must especially encourage girls,” he said.  

“I encourage my students to read lots of science-fiction, take as many calculated risks as possible, travel to as many places and live to inspire others. As Mahatma Gandhi said, ‘we must be the change we wish to see.'"

The competition provided a voice for many students who wish to, “be the change.” 

Nickson participated in the competition as a way to improve his language abilities.

“I want to become a web developer one day and will have the skills to write my own articles, instead of hiring somebody to do the creative writing,” the inspiring entrepreneur said.

Christina entered because she has leadership aspirations. The competition gave her a platform to expand on her opinions and craft a strong and persuasive argument.

“I wrote about leadership. I thought it was a good thing to see how my views could help solve different problems,” she said. 

“I would like to encourage other students to participate, because it is the way that they can express thoughts and maybe things that could be solutions to problems or alternative to things that are happening in society.”

“No matter what the results may be, participants don’t have to get praises; they just have to try it,” Christina believes. 

Students at The School of St Jude are excellent at spreading the word about their passions. Why not help them by spreading the word about us? 

Aspiring athletes from every corner of Tanzania come together each year to participate in UMISSETA – the Union Sports Secondary Schools Competition. 

The month-long event enables students from private and government schools to interact, share skills and compete as friendly rivals for ultimate success as national champions! 

Many ‘shooting stars’ from The School of St Jude attended the 38th annual event, and met with phenomenal success! More than 10 of our students progressed to the national round, after several weeks of fierce competition against local teams. 

Jovina in Form 4 is one of St Jude’s team captains. She hopes to encourage other young people to pursue an interest in sports. 

“I admire Mr James, our PE teacher. I want to join the national basketball or netball team so I can promote my talent and help other kids. I will teach them to be a good player and teammate,” Jovina said. 

The talented netballer stunned peers and spectators with her impressive goal-shooting abilities. 

“She is perfect. She never misses,” said Frank, a fellow St Jude’s regional champion. 

Frank’s outstanding talent on the volleyball and handball courts earned him a place in the National round. 

Like Jovina, Frank was inspired by Mr James, who trained the students and supported them during the district, regional and national competitions. 

“Mr James was more than great. First, I was so happy when he called us to join the competition. I was just proud to be part of it. Another thing is that he provided equipment for us. I didn’t have any sports shoes, so he gave me some.” 

“We really appreciate the help from our teachers and everyone who helps The School of St Jude,” Frank added.  

As well as formidable skills, the students needed tremendous will and stamina. The training regime was no walk in the park. 

“They had to wake up at 5am every day to train at the competition. They would have tea break and then go back to training. They break for meal times and then practice,” Mr James said. 

“I climbed many hills!” giggled Emiliana, a Form 4 basketballer. 
Her motivation?

“I want to be like Brittany Griner [US women’s NBA champion]. I saw one of her [televised] matches and she was really good,” Emiliana said. 

Although the students didn’t place in the national round or progress to the East Africa Secondary Sports Competition in August, their hopes haven’t been dimmed.

“A big challenge is competing against better players. It makes you feel like you are not capable, but fear gives you the pressure to keep practicing and improving so that we can be our best like them. That is how you get to the next stage,” Frank insisted. 

“We want to say thanks to our supporters for how you have helped us. We are so very happy,” Jovina added. 

Thanks to the generosity of our school’s supporters, our students will continue shooting goals in all kinds of arenas. You can help us by making a donation! 

Edgar in Form 4 is no magician: he’s better than that.

The earnest and inventive teen is a fully-fledged philanthropic entrepreneur! 

Behind closed doors, the young visionary spends his Saturdays, melting and moulding the blight of plastic bag refuse into rock-hard bricks!

It’s a bold bid to clean up the environment and support his community. 

The unique project has earned Edgar global recognition as a 2017 International Young Eco-Hero. Just last month, he competed with thousands of talented candidates from around the world for the prestigious 'Outstanding Innovator' award!

“I didn’t want to apply at first, because I saw that most past winners came from America. Then, I thought about brave people like my hero, Wangari Maathai, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. When I thought of her courage, I decided to go for it.” 

Championing his cause won Edgar the ‘champion’ title, but the revolutionary idea had humble beginnings.  

“I was in Dar es Salaam when it flooded two years ago. I saw people’s mud-brick houses being swept away and wanted to design pavers and furniture for them which would be cheap, but also strong,” Edgar recalled. 

“President John Magufuli encourages people to clean up our country. So, I thought I could start my own waste-management project and help people at the same time.”

Edgar feels inspired by the St Jude’s community, where he is encouraged to do his best and give back whole-heartedly.

“I couldn’t have achieved this without the help of my school!”  

“The School of St Jude took students to an innovation workshop on Saturdays, where we brought our creative ideas to life. That’s where I designed my first prototype paver using raw materials and I displayed it at our Science Day.”

“I felt motivated because of Science Day. It was really wonderful when people appreciated my efforts and supported the idea I’d been working on for so long.” 

The incredible innovator admits he’s stumbled over some cracks in the pavement, though. 

“It was challenging to melt the plastic bags without creating more pollution. I’ve made an organic solution, which I use to treat and filter the smoke to separate the toxins," Edgar said. 

"People told me to give up, but the challenges I faced gave me the chance to develop something else which helps the planet and prevents pollution.” 

“We mustn’t be weakened by setbacks. We can use them to make us stronger and better!” 

Edgar has grand plans for future projects - he’s keen to build whole cities, but knows he must start by laying down solid foundations (or, in this case, durable plastic!)

“You have to start small. Wangari Maathai said, ‘it’s the little things citizens do that will make a difference.’”

“I think this idea can change the world, but I’d like to start here in Africa. Tanzania is a developing country and it’s important for us to use our skills to serve the local community. Yes, we have problems. It is up to individuals to help solve them.”

“I believe that preparation must meet opportunity.” 

Be prepared to watch Exceptional Edgar rise to the occasion - the innovative sixteen-year-old is already paving the way towards a brighter, cleaner, Tanzania!

Help a student like Edgar overcome the odds - why not consider becoming a sponsor? 

See Edgar launch his project at the Science Fair!

Meet Pat & Willis Sutliff: Rapid City Rotarians, parents, grandparents, longtime supporters of St Jude’s and members of ‘The American Friends of The School of St Jude’. 

It’s been 15 years since the Sutliffs heard Gemma speak at the Rotary International Convention in Brisbane – for them, it was ‘support at first sight!’ 

Pat and Willis have visited St Jude’s multiple times, advocated for the school in America and sponsored three students.  

Last month, the kind and humble pair visited us to see their sponsored student and Community Service Year intern, Robinson. They also came to share in the Graduation Week celebrations with their fellow Rotary club members and visitors from around the world.

The proud sponsors were excited to hear about Robinson's year, mentoring and tutoring St Jude's male boarding students.

Their biggest highlight however, was a bumpy bus ride with Robinson, a translator and skilled driver. 

The St Jude’s mini-bus was bogged on the way to their home visit, delaying the journey, but Pat and Willis were determined to get to Robinson’s house on Arusha’s outskirts. 

The experience gave Pat an appreciation for our students’ tenacity. 

“During the drive, you see how far Robinson travels to reach the school, the state of the roads between the school and his home, and where he must walk to so he can catch the bus,” Pat said.

“The home visit is a very special chance to meet a student’s family. When you arrive at their home, it is very humbling – this proud child with you is working so hard to overcome poverty.”

Robinson’s mother and many neighbours rushed to greet the Sutliffs when they arrived and performed the Maasai vigelegele – a ululated song of welcome and celebration.  

“During a home visit, you have a chance to share your pride of the student with people who love them. Seeing their gratitude and how much the whole family, as well as neighbours, value the student’s education is truly amazing,” Pat and Willis said. 

The Sutliffs walked away from the experience knowing just how much of a difference their support makes. 

“We are very lucky to be part of this young man’s life. We have so much and they have so little as far as material things are concerned. But, he has great determination and is working hard to have a better life for himself, his family and his community. 

What Robinson is doing with his life is very inspiring.”

“The home visit really cements a special bond between you and the student you support.” 

You can have the same impact as the Sutliffs on one of our students - check out our sponsorship program today!