Chris and his friends visited Tanzania and St Jude’s in January 2020, just before COVID-19 turned the world upside-down. “We met the teachers, students and some of the families and it highlighted how important the school was in changing the lives of many, as well as for the future of Tanzania,” he says.

Chris, Jayson and Dan came up with a unique idea. “One of the guys is a part owner of a local brewery and we all liked playing poker so we thought it would be great to combine the two – a poker tournament in a brewery,” Chris remembers. So far, Chris and his friends have held two poker fundraisers. A portion of each player’s entry fee is a donation to St Jude’s and on the day of the tournament there’s an auction to raise further funds for St Jude’s.

“We have approximately 40 players who progress through a series of rounds to a final table,” Chris explains. “We sent the message around to all of our friends and from there word of mouth has spread.”

The tournaments have been a huge success, both in terms of fundraising and spreading the word about St Jude’s. “Before we start the tournament we always explain to everyone our experience at St Jude’s and why we are doing this… Everyone has been really supportive and many have dug deep in their pockets to donate more. It’s great to see,” Chris says.

To date, the friends have donated over AU $5000 to the school following their poker tournaments.

We’re so grateful for the way Chris and his friends have used their creativity to help St Jude’s and excited to hear that they’re planning another fundraising tournament for February 2022.

Joshua, a charming and charismatic Standard 2 student, comes out of class and joins Jalilath, Hilary, and Getruda, eager to share his aspirations in life.

“When I grow up I would like to be a pilot. I will buy my mother, father and my grandmother each a plane of their own.” Joshua says, almost bursting with ambition.

Joshua is one out of the 71% of Standard 1 and 2 students who are currently not fully sponsored, along with 42% of all newly enrolled secondary students.

Each of these students has a story that needs your support.

Joshua is seven years old. He joined The School of St Jude in Standard 2 in 2021. His favourite subject is arithmetic and he enjoys playing tennis.

“I’m happy that I’ve joined St Jude’s. I can eat, play, and learn without worrying about anything,” says Joshua.

“The first thing I’ll do when I become a pilot is to build my parents a beautiful home so they can live a comfortable life,” he passionately adds.

90 Standard 1 and 2 students were enrolled last year after a rigorous selection process to ensure that only the poorest and brightest students in Arusha receive academic scholarships to St Jude’s.

The school provides academic scholarships for four key stages of student’s education; Primary academic scholarships to support a primary student’s education from Standard 1 to the end of Standard 7; O Level secondary academic scholarship to support a secondary student’s education from Form 1 to the end of Form 4; A Level secondary academic scholarship to support a secondary student’s education for their final two years of school in Form 5 and Form 6; and Beyond St Jude’s scholarship to cover phases of Form 4 and Form 6 graduates’ higher education.

Jalilath is seven years old. She is in Standard 1 and her favourite sport is cricket.

“I love being in Standard 1. St Jude's is a great school that teaches really well compared to my old school,” Jalilath says shyly.

“When I grow up I would like to be a nurse because I want to take care of the sick and those who can’t help themselves. I’ll be the first nurse in my family,” she adds.

Also aspiring to be a nurse is Getruda, who is in in Standard 2. She is six years old with big plans for her future.

“I love arithmetic, health care, writing and reading. I want to become a nurse because I’ll get to help people,’ Getruda explains.

Getruda is a bright student who has been winning academic awards since she joined St Jude's in 2021. Her awards include Best Performance in Midterm Exams, Best Handwriting Always and Finishing Work on Time.

At St Jude’s, we strive for academic and moral excellence and promote the development of well rounded individuals who will become community-focused leaders of Tanzania.

Hilary is a six years old. He’s in Standard 1. Hilary enjoys studying and playing football with his friends.

“My dream is to become a soldier when I finish school so I can protect my school and protect my country,” Hilary says.

Primary school is an early and important chapter in a successful educational story. It’s where important fundamentals are taught and a love of learning is established.

St Jude’s offers scholarships to students in their first two years of primary school. But, even these youngest students are not exempt from our current sponsorship gap. You can help fill this gap by sponsoring the academic scholarship of Joshua, Jalilath, Getruda or Hilary and help change the story for them and their families.

By sponsoring a St Jude’s academic scholarship or donating to the school, you are changing the story for a Tanzanian student. You allow St Jude’s to provide free, quality education for students who, due to financial pressures, would likely have joined the three quarters of Tanzanian students who do not finish secondary school.

To show the true impact of your support, this year’s Annual Appeal will feature three St Jude’s stories. Over the coming month, you’ll see these stories in video form, but today, you can get to know alum Judica and students Seuri and Joylina a little better.

Judica’s Story of Transformation

“I’ve achieved my dream to be a business woman.” - Judica, Class of 2015.

Judica is a St Jude’s alum with an amazing story of transformation. As one of the earliest St Jude’s students, Judica’s story is inextricably linked with the school.

Judica started in Standard 1 at St Jude’s in 2003 when the school had just 120 students. As farmers, Judica’s parents struggled to afford school fees for her and their eight older children. After 13 years of free, quality education and serving as the school’s head girl, she graduated with the Class of 2015, our inaugural graduates.

Following graduation, Judica was quick to apply for the Beyond St Jude’s (BSJ) Program and spent a year volunteering as a book-keeping teacher in a government school as part of the Community Service Year. Then, Judica left home to study a Bachelor of Commerce, Banking and Financial Services at the University of Dar Es Saalam supported by BSJ. In 2019, Judica was one of the very first St Jude’s university graduates and today she is employed full-time at a national bank in Arusha.

Seuri’s Story of Determination

“I want to become a doctor to help my community, as there are not many doctors here.” - Seuri, Form 4.

Seuri’s story is a tribute to his determination. Seuri attended a government primary school in his village, which lacked electricity, water and learning resources. Despite this, Seuri was determined to get an education.

Seuri’s determination lead him to achieve great results in his Standard 7 National Examinations and earned him an academic scholarship for secondary school at St Jude’s. Seuri boards at St Jude’s during term time, but he returns home to his family boma (a traditional Maasai home) during holidays. Seuri’s father has two wives; he lives with his mother and four siblings as well as his father’s first wife and her six children.

After almost four years at St Jude’s, Seuri is more determined than ever. With quality resources, highly-trained teachers and a stable boarding environment at St Jude’s, Seuri has learnt volumes and is determined to achieve the results he needs to study medicine and become a doctor.

Joylina’s Story of Hope

“I want to be a nurse so I can help my family, friends and all the people who are sick.” - Joylina, Standard 2.

Joylina only started at St Jude’s in 2020, but her St Jude’s academic scholarship has already given Joylina and her mother hope for the future.

Joylina, her mother and her sisters live in a single room where they moved following the death of Joylina’s father in 2018. When she heard about St Jude’s, Joylina’s mother decided to bring Joylina to a Student Selection Day. She was overjoyed when Joylina was offered a scholarship.

During the last 18 months at St Jude’s, Joylina has been an enthusiastic learner and become one of the top students in her class. Like her classmates, Joylina receives uniforms, resources, bus transport and highly-trained teachers. In addition, she receives special diet provisions as she was found to be undernourished. With a carefully planned diet, she has been able to gain weight and her mother is pleased that Joylina now falls sick less often and has more energy.

Joylina especially likes healthcare class as she hopes to be a nurse when she finishes school.

Joylina, Seuri and Judica are proof that when you support a story, you can change the world. Generous sponsors and donors have changed the story for them and for thousands of others of St Jude’s students.

Be sure to follow us on social media and hear more from these featured students over the next month as they share their stories.

Known for her humour and charitable heart, Rebel Wilson has been a champion for St Jude’s since 2006, well before she became one of Australia’s beloved household names.

Rebel, an internationally acclaimed actress, writer and producer, is best known for starring in blockbuster films including Pitch Perfect, Bridesmaids and, more recently, Cats.

Although her life has changed dramatically since 2006, one thing has never waned… her loyal support for The School of St Jude.

Nearly 15 years ago, Rebel began sponsoring an academic scholarship for Winnie, one of the school’s first students. Since graduating from St Jude’s in 2016, Winnie has gone on to pursue a degree in Business Studies at university.

Rebel and Winnie finally met in person during Rebel’s visit to St Jude’s in 2014. During her time in Arusha, Rebel saw firsthand how her support had made a profound impact on St Jude’s and its students.  

Rebel delivered a heartfelt message of hope to our students during her visit to the school six years ago… a message that’s never lost its impact:

“Education is your key to opportunity. I know I come from Australia, but I didn't grow up with much. I just believed in myself and always tried to improve. My advice would be to try your absolute hardest at school. Study hard and try different activities so that when you finish secondary school, there will be lots of opportunities for you to pursue,” she encouraged.

Rebel recently won US$250,000 as a contestant on the hit television show, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire USA – Celebrity Edition and pledged to donate her winnings to The School of St Jude – a pledge that, after the perils of 2020, came as a thrill to our whole school community.  

Rebel’s donation will fund the entire education of 20 university students through our Beyond St Jude’s (BSJ) program; all of whom come from backgrounds of severe poverty.  

Furaha is one of BSJ’s Tertiary scholars who will benefit directly from Rebel’s support and receive the gift of free education.  She is the youngest of four children. The opportunities she’s received at St Jude’s so far, and thanks to further support from Rebel, allow her to proudly step towards a brighter future.

Since graduating from St Jude’s in 2019, Furaha has been helping her fellow Tanzanians through BSJ’s Community Service Year program, teaching chemistry and biology to students in one of Tanzania’s under-resourced government schools.

BSJ’s Community Service Year program encourages St Jude’s graduates to volunteer within their communities, giving to others with the same spirit of generosity that St Jude’s international supporters, like Rebel Wilson, have given to them.

Now, thanks to Rebel’s gift, Furaha can take her next bold leap: studying at one of Tanzania’s most renowned universities.

 “I’m going to study Environmental Health Science. My dream is to become an Environmental Health Officer and help others in my community!” Furaha joyfully declared.

Rebel, too, reaps rewards from supporting St Jude’s and supporting others in need.

 “I think the work that of St Jude’s is important and amazing. I love that my donations are directly helping individuals at the school. Now that I am in a fortunate position, it feels good to give back,” Rebel said.

St Jude’s Founder, Gemma Sisia, is also overjoyed by Rebel’s continued support for St Jude’s.

“Rebel, because of you, 20 of our amazing graduates can soar to new heights as they pursue higher education. They will lead their families and communities to growth and prosperity,” Gemma said.  

It certainly pays to be a Rebel with a cause.

In support of Rebel’s cause, The American Friends of The School of St Jude, AFSJ, ran a contest to predict how much Rebel would win, and Rachelle, a supporter from America,  emerged the winner and walked away with a Tanzanian goodie bag.

The season of giving is upon us again, and there’s no better present to pass on than the gift of education!

The School of St Jude mission is to educate the poorest and brightest students in Tanzania to fight poverty through education. From a big dream and a donation of just AU$10, the school has grown immensely over the past 18 years. This would not have been possible without the support and generosity of thousands of donors from around the world who give what they can to help St Jude’s fulfil its mission.

St Jude’s students, from primary school all the way through to higher education programs have been receiving the gift of free education from sponsors. By sponsoring the academic scholarship of a student, you can help them to lift themselves, their families and their communities out of poverty.

St Jude’s educates 1,800 students in primary and secondary and assists over 300 scholars through higher education. All have the potential to be future leaders within their community, and many dream of doing just that.

“We have three levels of sponsorship packages that cater for primary, secondary and higher education scholarships,” said Brenda, Head of Sponsor Relations.

Sponsoring a student’s academic scholarship is much greater than just providing education. It also gives them educational resources, transport, school and boarding uniforms, hot, nutritious meals daily as well as a safe, clean living environment with reliable electricity and water for students in boarding… everything required for a successful education!

“Supporters can choose any three types of sponsorship packages: sole sponsorship, co-sponsorship or shared sponsorship,” Brenda explained.

“Sole sponsorship means that a person will cover the full cost of a student’s academic scholarship. Co-sponsorship covers half the cost of an academic scholarship. You can also sign up for a shared sponsorship package; this covers a part of the cost of an academic scholarship.”

Sponsorship packages extend to higher education scholarships; this means that a supporter can help a St Jude’s graduate through the Beyond St Jude’s (BSJ) program. The Beyond St Jude’s (BSJ) program was first introduced in 2015 to help our graduating Form 6 students start the next stage of their life while continuing to develop their leadership potential and community spirit. The program enables graduates to give back to their communities in an educational context as volunteers through a Community Service Year (CSY) and then provides them with the support they need to go on to access higher education.

All of the students awarded St Jude’s scholarships, show academic promise, but their families are trapped in a cycle of poverty. Without additional academic support, they may not be able to finish school.

“For any generous supporter who would like to know what it takes to be a sponsor and contribute to the quality education of a St Jude’s student or graduate, our website has all the information. Visit www.schoolofstjude.org, open the ‘Support Us’ tab, and you can select a sponsorship package of your choice. Or, you can email info@schoolofstjude.co.tz. We will be glad to assist,” Brenda assured.

Optimal communication is an integral part of the sponsorship program; it enables sponsors and students to build a connection.

“For every student, we make sure that the sponsor gets all the information… progress reports, academic reports, awards, information about ceremonies and other updates. This communication is well-coordinated and monitored,” Brenda added.

Sponsors, donors and all supporters are the backbones of St Jude’s accomplishments. Every milestone achieved by the school would not have been possible if it wasn’t for all the kind-hearted supporters that continue to form St Jude’s multi-national family.

“As we enter December, a month of giving, we would like to thank all the supporters who have dedicated themselves to making an impact. We truly appreciate their continuous support of the school and especially the students. It’s because of this blessing that The School of St Jude can continue its mission of fighting poverty through education,” Brenda said.

The School of St Jude still has a long way to go, but with the continued support from generous supporters around the world, St Jude’s will be able to enrol and educate more students every year. Give the gift of education and help to transform Tanzania’s future generations!

Andie Lowe, a long-time supporter of The School of St Jude organised a ‘Distance Dinner for St Jude’s’ intending to raise $10,000. Amazingly, Andie has already made $10,000 reaching her set target, but she has high hopes to raise even more funds.

Andie is selling dinner boxes via her website. “Everyone who purchases a dinner box will sit down on 18 October to enjoy an African inspired dinner. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, we can’t all enjoy dining together, so this is a way to feel connected, from a distance! ” she explained.

She added, “I hope to have the support of Methodist Ladies' College (MLC) teachers, students and broader connections to participate. I’ll be connecting with people through social media and reaching out to friends, family and my parents and work colleagues.”

Andie visited St Jude’s last year on a school trip with MLC, thus igniting her passion to fundraise for the school when she returned home.

You too can support Andie to raise funds for St Jude’s. Click to visit her website and purchase a dinner box;