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!
If you had to choose between facing death, seeing a spider or speaking in public, which would it be?
There’s no argument over which option some of our young leaders would choose!
Public speaking is commonly ranked as the number one phobia, but students at The School of St Jude are suited up in an armour of cool confidence and delectable diction. Watch out, parliament!
English teacher, Mr Elisa, believes Debating Club is a way for students to improve their leadership skills and that it helps them practice English in a fun, unique way.
“The students enjoy the competition – it makes learning a new language exciting!” Mr Elisa enthused.
During Graduation Week, Standard 6 students impressed our international visitors with their quick wit in a two-hour series of debates.
Topics on the table ranged from ‘rural life is better than urban life’ and ‘education is better than money’, to ‘boarding school is better than day school’.
Student Council Secretary, Faith, stood with poise and spoke eloquently as Madam Speaker of the debate. It was her job to choose the winner of her round – that ‘teachers are better than robots’.
“The opposing side said that robots just give students motivation. Children need to also have love to be motivated, and teachers give love. So we decided that… teachers are better than robots!”
The audience couldn’t agree more. Our international visitors wildly applauded the brave students, who humbly accepted the praise.
“I do debating because I would like to be a leader in the future and I love to speak in front of people!” Faith giggled.
Faith’s debate-mates, Nice and Rahim, couldn’t agree more.
“Debating gives me the courage to share my feelings. The teachers who help us are confident and we learn from them as well,” said Nice.
“When you debate, you gain knowledge, hear many opinions and learn about differences,” Rahim added.
Whether for personal growth or leadership pursuits, our students are determined to use their ‘gift of the gab’ to serve the community.
“I want to increase my confidence because if I am to become a leader, then being a good speaker will help me express the wishes of the people I want to help,” Faith explained.
Mr Elisa knows Faith’s commitment will serve her well.
“Faith’s English is especially good because she is always speaking and practicing her skills.”
Fearless Faith and her friends are only 12 years old and already they’ve conquered one of the world’s most terrifying tasks! With a St Jude’s education under their belts, there’s surely no podium too high for them to reach – we can’t wait to see what else these young leaders will conquer!
Consider a visit to The School of St Jude, where you'll take part in the action and get to meet some of Tanzania's future leaders!
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!
Two months ago we welcomed a new staff member to St Jude's - Meet Maddie!
The curly-haired wonder hit the ground running - literally, running - after our students and staff.
As a Communications Officer, she is charged with supporting our fundraisers and sniffing out the best stories she can to share with our school community.
Maddie’s St Jude’s story had its start seven years ago in a South Australian high school classroom, where her teacher played the ‘Africa Calling’ - Australian Story episode.
“Mum and Dad raised me with a solid work ethic and moral compass. They always encouraged me to be kind; to believe one person could make a difference. Learning about The School of St Jude as a teenager brought that message home to me,” Maddie recalled.
“I was taken by the story of everyday Aussies, rolling up their sleeves and giving something a go. They did it without knowing what would happen years down the track and the opportunities they’d be giving to exceptional children who are in great need,” she said.
With the story of The School of St Jude firmly planted at the back of her mind, Maddie set about making a difference, however she could, to young people in Australia.
While completing university, she worked part-time for the Sisters of Mercy and at St Aloysius College in Adelaide, facilitating their Social Justice Program.
“I love communicating a message in a way that motivates and promotes action. I got to do that every day with students in Australia, and now I do it in a different way at St Jude’s!”
What drove this young go-getter?
“Passion for the cause propels me. There’s nothing more inspiring than a resilient attitude – gritting your teeth and getting an important job done, even if it’s hard.’” she said.
The little seed sewn years earlier finally saw the sun, when Maddie received a phone call from her Mum late last year.
“If it weren’t for Mum, I might not have had the courage to apply. She phoned me when she heard about St Jude’s for the first time on 60 Minutes and said, ‘You need to find a way to get involved. This is so you.’”
“I gave it a few days’ thought, visited the school’s website, saw the advertisement for Communications Officer and sent in my application,” Maddie grinned.
The rest, as they say, is history.
“After finding out I got the job, I went online to see if Gemma and Winrose were planning a visit to Adelaide on the March tour. They weren’t – but, they were booked in to speak at my best friend’s church, literally a stone’s throw away from her home in Melbourne!”
“I wanted to visit loved ones there before leaving Australia, so the timing couldn’t have been more perfect.”
Maddie went to the talk at Holy Saviour Church, Glen Waverley, where she met Gemma and her now-friends and colleagues, Carla and Winrose.
“People representing St Jude’s and all in the crowd who’d visited, spoke about the school with a twinkle in their eye and a burning passion that warmed my spirit. Everyone, regardless of age, race or religion, is united by a shared vision of ‘Fighting Poverty Through Education,’” she insisted.
The woman who inspired that vision is thrilled to have Maddie on the team.
“Maddie is doing a WONDERFUL job here at St Jude’s. Her Head of Department can’t stop raving about her! It’s great to know that this is such a win-win,” Gemma affirmed.
When sixteen-year-old Maddie watched ‘Africa Calling’, she had no way of knowing it would be her first call to Africa.
“Coming to St Jude’s was a leap of faith that sent me soaring. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
Do you want to help 'Fight Poverty Through Education'? Join us today!
It's a sight to see, 133 brilliant young adults, bursting with pride as they celebrate St Jude’s third Form 6 graduation.
Tears of joy and eruptions of applause filled the hall as the crowd of proud family members, sponsors and international visitors celebrated a milestone - 13 years in the making.
The graduates, draped in gold regalia, were propelled onto the stage by years of hard work, persistence and support from our exceptional school community.
School captains, Farida and Victor, triumphantly commended the efforts of their peers.
“We know by now that we should always have courage when things get tough. We should not be fearful. It's time to grab all our chances, do our best and be happy,” Farida said.
"We are thankful beyond words to our sponsors and always to Mama Gemma."
More than 60 visitors travelled from America, Australia and New Zealand to join the celebrations!Kerry and David Steller are from Armidale Central Rotary club. They came to watch the student they sponsor, Oliva, bask in graduation glory.
Like our graduates, the couple knows something about building a dream from scratch.
"How did you hear about The School of St Jude?" The pair was asked.
David responded with a smile but didn't miss a beat, “I built it.”
“We came over for three weeks in 2000, and camped on the school lawn,” Kerry added.
“We first thought the school would take students ‘til Grade 7, but then people placed bets on whether Gemma would build a secondary school. A few of us won that bet!”
“We can’t believe how huge it is. We’re very proud,” Kerry said.
So is St Jude’s Founder, Gemma Sisia, whose heartfelt words of wisdom stirred the ceremony guests.
“I am so proud to celebrate Form 6 Graduation with bright and strong young adults: the future leaders of Tanzania,” Gemma said.
"Nelson Mandela said, 'Education is the best weapon against poverty.' He also tells us that “Sometimes it falls upon a generation to be great” and I know that you can, that you will be, that generation.”
The Meru District Education Officer, Mama Mchome, delighted our graduates with praise of their achievements and advice for their futures.
“The School of St Jude has given you many opportunities to participate. Stick to your goals. Remember, you are intelligent."
"Try to find ways to give back to society through your professions. By doing so, you will have peace and be successful," she said.
St Jude’s Academic Manager, Nestory Msoffe, knows the Class of 2017 is already paving the path to success!
“Our graduates leave a legacy of resilience, courage and hope, which younger students will follow,” Mr Nestory said.
In between formalities, guests were treated to cultural dances, and eyes glistened when graduates serenaded their captive crowd with special songs.
As Gemma says, “yes, this is the closing of a chapter, but it is also a beginning!”
Over 90% of our graduates will undertake three months of government mandated National Service, before commencing their Community Service Year.
Many will use their quality education to give back to their communities as volunteer teachers in their local government schools.
No matter where the future leads them, we know that St Jude's graduates are destined to be leaders!
St Jude’s Class of 2017 marched victoriously out of the hall with confidence in their stride and sparkling eyes.
These students - some of the poorest and most talented in Tanzania - weren't just guided by a light at the end of a tunnel…
…it shone from within them all along.
Congratulations, Class of 2017!
St Jude’s had the honour of hosting the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay here at Sisia Campus on 10 April.
The Queen’s Baton Relay launched at Buckingham Palace on 4 April and we were so lucky to be part of the 388-day journey through the entire Commonwealth.
We were delighted to welcome H. E. John Feakes (Australian High Commissioner) and H. E. Ms Sarah Cooke (British High Commissioner), Commonwealth Games champion Filbert Bayi, the Tanzanian Olympic Committee and the baton bearers to St Jude’s.
Our guests were treated to a special melodic moment–the three national anthems for Tanzania, Australia and Britain.
"Today was spectacular day with all of the students involved," His Excellency John Feakes said.
"As an Australian I am incredibly proud of the work that has been done here at St Jude's and what Gemma has achieved in such a short period of time. Providing a quality education to kids who would otherwise miss out is really life giving," he said.
"I urge people that haven't heard about St Jude to get involved."
It was a day of champions! Record breaking athlete and Secretary General of the Tanzanian Olympic Committee Filbert Bayi, carried the baton into the school and had a special message for our students.
"My wish is for more Tanzanians, especially from St Jude's to break my record! I've seen so many sports fields here," athlete Filbert Bayi said.
Filbert told our students that he believes success is attributed to these things, “without working hard, without being positive and without knowing what you are doing. Without having a vision, you will never perform."
"Coming here I was so surprised. I was born in Arusha ... this place is fantastic, especially the education", said Filbert.
"I am sure in the 2020 Commonwealth Games there will be a participant from St Jude's."
Our students each were able to touch the baton. They were intrigued that there is a secret message from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II sealed in a special compartment to be revealed at the games.
The baton itself also has an interesting story. The materials used to make the baton represent past in the mahogany wood from the Gold Coast, present in the metal inscribed with each country it passes through and the future in the recycled plastic salvaged from the Gold Coast beaches and oceans.
It was a joyful occasion and ended with the students participating in their own mini-games!
There is always something interesting happening at our school! Visit us and see for yourself.
