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.

"Leap of faith": Maddie never imagined she'd one day work at The School of St Jude.
"Leap of faith": Maddie never imagined she'd one day work at The School of St Jude.

“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. 

Under her wing: At SAC, Maddie inspires students of all ages to embody confidence and compassion for all.
Under her wing: At SAC, Maddie inspires students of all ages to embody confidence and compassion for all.

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.  

Awestruck: Maddie admires our students who have overcome so much in pursuit of an education.
Awestruck: Maddie admires our students who have overcome so much in pursuit of an education.

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. 

Working hard, smiling strong: Our new arrival takes her post in the Marketing department.
Working hard, smiling strong: Our new arrival takes her post in the Marketing department.

“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. 

Instant connection: Maddie travelled from Adelaide to Melbourne and met newfound friend, Winrose.
Instant connection: Maddie travelled from Adelaide to Melbourne and met newfound friend, 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.  

Wheels come full-circle: Bus driver, Catherine, and Maddie celebrate St Aloysius College's generous $5000 contribution to maintining a school bus for one year!
Wheels come full-circle: Bus driver, Catherine, and Maddie celebrate St Aloysius College's generous $5000 contribution to maintining a school bus for one year!

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.

Straighten up and graduate right: Students took pride in the day's formalities.
Straighten up and graduate right: Students took pride in the day's formalities.

“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.

Friends Indeed: Many sponsors and visitors have been supporting our students throughout their school careers.
Friends Indeed: Many sponsors and visitors have been supporting our students throughout their school careers.

"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.

A family affair: 'Mama Gemma' with husband, Richard, niece, Mau, mother-in-law, Elizabeth and our class of 2017!
A family affair: 'Mama Gemma' with husband, Richard, niece, Mau, mother-in-law, Elizabeth and our class of 2017!

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.

Thoughtful, committed citizens can change the word: Mama Mchombe imparts wisdom to a future graduate.
Thoughtful, committed citizens can change the word: Mama Mchombe imparts wisdom to a future graduate.

“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.

How High?:Our Maasai students are proud to celebrate their culture and support graduation.
How High?: Our Maasai students are proud to celebrate their culture and support graduation.

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.  

The future is bright:Graduates enjoying the ceremony together, knowing today is a new beginning!
The future is bright: Graduates enjoying the ceremony together, knowing today is a new beginning!

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.

World-wide friends: His Excellency John Feakes (Australian High Commissioner) and Her Excellency Sarah Cooke (British High Commissioner) and Commonwealth Games champion Filbert Bayi.
World-wide friends: His Excellency John Feakes (Australian High Commissioner) and Her Excellency Sarah Cooke (British High Commissioner) and Commonwealth Games champion Filbert Bayi.

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."

Inspiring our students: Filbert Bayi hopes to see a St Jude's student in the 2020 Commonwealth Games.
Inspiring our students: Filbert Bayi hopes to see a St Jude's student in the 2020 Commonwealth Games.

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."

Common goals: Filbert, Gemma and our teachers all believe in a quality education for Tanzanian students.
Common goals: Filbert, Gemma and our teachers all believe in a quality education for Tanzanian students.

"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.

Mountain moment: Wendy and Alex said they stopped to wave at St Jude's while climbing Mt Meru.

Alex and Wendy first met school founder Gemma Sisia at a Rotary Conference in Auckland in 2005.

“We thought Gemma was wonderful. She was sitting next to us after the presentation and we got talking. We asked, ‘where are you staying tonight?’

She said she didn’t know, so we said ‘come home with us! We had a marvelous time and drove her to the airport in the morning,” Wendy said.

“After that, we started sponsoring our student, Victor, and made plans, vague plans, to one day come over and see the school for ourselves,” Alex added.

More than 10 years on, after 36 years of marriage and three grown-up kids, Alex and Wendy made it to St Jude’s and have definitely made the most of it!

For the past three months Alex has volunteered with our Maintenance department and Wendy has been mentoring teachers and working with students at our primary campus.

On the weekends, the couple have been on some terrific adventures.


Maasai mates:  Alex and Wendy on one of their visits to a Maasai boma.
 
Here is the enthusiastic visitors’ top five things to do in Arusha:
 
Staying at St Jude’s

Being woken up by students arriving at school, their room, school lunches, the volunteer kitchen community and the pub outside the gate... they loved it all.

“We didn’t expect to find such a welcoming and warm community of staff, sharing meals, movies and birthday parties, we’ve just loved staying here,” Wendy said.

“It really has been the best experience, working at the school forging friendships with Tanzanian colleagues – when we walked through the gates the first person we met was the teacher we have been sponsoring for years,” Alex said.

Campus life: The couple loved sharing in the Red kitty kitchen, playing pool at the Waterhole and strolling the grounds of our Moshono campus.

Home visits

Sponsors are welcome to visit their student’s home and meet their family. Victor is in Form 5 and has corresponded with Alex and Wendy for more than a decade. He hosted his sponsors twice so they could meet both his father and mother.

Alex’s Rotary club also sponsors young female student Mwanahawa.

“It’s just humbling, the families were so welcoming they really had so little, but took such pride in hosting us. Victor told us how grateful he was – it’s very humbling,” Alex said.

“Mwanahawa’s family were fasting for Ramadan but for us they put out tea and mandazi (a donut-like snack). Her mother had taken so much care in every detail, in decorating the house and hosting us, it is a real honor to have that opportunity,” Wendy said.

Home sweet home visit: With Mwanahawa's family on one of three home visits.
 
Safaris: Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park and Serengeti National Park

“The highlight was actually driving out onto the plain at Lake Manyara and seeing all the zebras, wildebeests and Cape buffalo just there – you feel like you’re in touching distance. The first elephant we saw was way off in the distance and we just stood there staring, amazed. Then we drove up the road about 400 meters and one walked right across in front of the vehicle,” Alex said.

Alex’s boyhood dream of safari wasn’t quite complete without seeing a big cat!

“We didn’t see cats until we went to the Serengeti. Then we saw four leopards, ten lions, two cheetahs and lots of small cats – we even saw lions mating right beside the vehicle,” Alex said.

“Three times!” Wendy added.

Touching distance: The kiwis couldn't get enough of our local wildlife.

Climbing Mountains: Mt Meru and Mt Kilimanjaro

Living in the shadow of Mt Meru, the daring duo decided it was a must climb. They trained on the steps of the St Jude’s water tower and took every opportunity to walk after work.

“On Meru the environment was so varied there were giraffes at the base and beautiful lichen hanging from the trees like a rainforest. Then when you pass through the clouds, you come out in the hot sun and you’re in scrubland." Wendy said.

“It was a beautiful experience almost ethereal. On the second day the view of Mt Kilimanjaro, at sunrise, floating above the clouds,” Wendy said.

Ethereal experience: The view from Mt Meru of Kilimanjaro at sunrise.

Navigating Arusha/Moshi town 


The mountain climbers also mastered the main streets of Arusha and Moshi.

Wendy loved Moshi’s markets with its fresh produce, novelties and tiny alleyways rich with fabric, marvelled at the natural history museum and enjoyed attending church ‘for the singing’.

Alex enjoyed exploring both cities, especially after taking a few Swahili classes so he could spar with street hawkers. Now, almost at the end of their journey, the only thing left is the famous ‘goat street’ - a street where all the eateries serve goat!
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Their advice to anyone considering a visit:

“Come, just come! The best thing about being involved in St Jude’s is that you can come and see what your donation is doing, appreciate the kids and what’s going on. You can stay in this oasis on campus and then get out and learn so much about Tanzania.” – Alex.
If you want to follow the wise couple's advice, get in touch with our Visitors team and start planning today - We Love Visitors!

Smiles are readily shared across the St Jude’s campuses… come and get yours by visiting us on your next holiday!

Each year, hundreds of visitors are warmly welcomed to our campuses and see first-hand the impact our 100% charity-funded school is having on education in Tanzania.

More than 1800 students receive a free, high-quality education here at St Jude’s – an opportunity they would be unlikely to have without the enduring backing of our many generous international supporters. 

A visit to St Jude’s can be catered to your liking, whether it be a taste of school life via participation in drumming lessons and other extra-curricular activities with our students, enjoying school lunch with them, or taking a school tour and visiting classes. See first-hand the quality teaching that has recently seen our Standard 7 (Grade 7) placed in the top 2% of Tanzania’s national exams.

Our inaugural Form 6 graduation class finished in the top 10% in the country in 2015, with a 100% pass rate and more than 50% getting the highest mark of distinction. More than 80% of these graduates spent the year before university volunteering in their local communities through the Beyond St Jude’s Community Service Year, which addresses the severe teacher shortage in Tanzania by placing graduates in government schools.

Long-time Aussie supporter Glenys was one of 41 international visitors who flew in mere months ago to be part of our jubilant Form 6 graduation.

Gorgeous Glenys: Glenys meets her sponsor student Amina. Inset - 2015 graduates Enock and Daudi greet Glenys on her arrival.
Gorgeous Glenys: Glenys meets her sponsor student Amina. Inset - 2015 graduates Enock and Daudi greet Glenys on her arrival.

“My first day I was greeted by two handsome young lads...and with flowers!” she said. “I was warmly greeted, every day was an adventure and I can't wait to return!”

But it’s not just the students you’ll meet on your visit here.

The families of our students are happy to welcome visitors into their homes (with 48 hours notice) for a chat, perhaps a snack and some traditional Tanzanian hospitality. It’s an experience you’ll never likely forget, and a rare opportunity to see what life is like for those financially disadvantaged families whose promising children are offered scholarships at St Jude’s.

In Tanzania the average years of schooling for a population of almost 50 million is just over five, and 92.6% of the total population above 25 years has no secondary education. Of the 1.63 million students who entered Standard 1 in 2002, only 38,853 graduated Form 6. That’s just 2.4%.

You’ll also meet our staff members – almost 300 locals whose salaries support 1,895 people in the Arusha community. At St Jude’s we work hard to instill the concept of giving back to the community, and these amazing academic, administration and maintenance staff members lead by example by spending 19,256 hours volunteering in their local community each year.

Have a roaring time: See some of Tanzania's amazing wildlife while visiting. Image credit to Simon Scott
Have a roaring time: See some of Tanzania's amazing wildlife while visiting. Image credit to Simon Scott

St Jude’s is situated in Arusha, otherwise known as the “gateway to the Serengeti”. With major national parks right here on our doorstep, safari is the most popular activity our visitors combine with a visit or stay at our school. There are plenty of safari operator options available, including safaris-R-us (school founder Gemma and her husband Richard’s safari company), which donates US$50 to St Jude’s for every person who books through them.

See what others have thought about their day visit, on TripAdvisor. You can even stay overnight at our primary school campus! See what others have thought about their stay, on TripAdvisor.

Karibu (‘Welcome’ in Swahili)! Come along - have an African adventure, meet the real people of Tanzania and see the amazing impact St Jude’s is having on education and the future for yourself!

Winnie was Rebel Wilson’s first fan in Tanzania.

Before the Pitch Perfect star became a household name, she was a hero to Winnie, an 11 year-old, living in a mud house with no electricity, let alone a TV.

A tale of two superstars: Rebel began sponsoring Winnie in 2006.
A tale of two superstars: Rebel began sponsoring Winnie in 2006.

“I was just happy that my sponsor sent me very beautiful letters and a gift and I feel lucky because I had a sponsor,” Winnie said.

“In our letters we talked about very many things, and I always look forward to her letters. 

“When I was older I started learning about her, that she is a great actress and a very nice funny woman.

“Some of my friends were jealous, others say, you are so lucky, all I could think was, 'why me, why does she care about me, why am I so lucky?'.”

In the 10 years since Rebel started sponsoring Winnie, both of their lives have changed for the better.

Future so bright she needs shades: Winnie caught in a candid smile in her graduation gown.
Future so bright she needs shades: Winnie caught in a candid smile in her graduation gown.

Rebel has become one of Hollywood’s most recognisable faces, a star of the hit franchise Pitch Perfect and a frequent guest on US talk show, Ellen.

Winnie just became the first woman in her family to graduate high school and she will use her education to lift her family out of poverty.

Rebel was prevented by a busy work schedule from attending the graduation ceremony.

Winnie is also half sponsored by a group of wonderful women from Western Australia. 

The grateful graduate said that as she dressed for Saturday's ceremony she stopped to think, "wow, all these women supporting me in my life, my mother, my teachers, my sponsors, I am so glad I made it to here, for them." 

One of Winnie’s favourite memories from school was her first face-to-face meeting with Rebel in 2014.

Rebel in the family: Rebel met the family she's been helping escape poverty when she visited Arusha in 2014.
Rebel in the family: Rebel met the family she's been helping escape poverty when she visited Arusha in 2014.

“I was sitting with my mum on a bench when I saw her coming. When I saw her, I really ran to her and I hugged her and she was really happy, we were so excited to see each other. Mum hugged her too,” Winnie said.

St Jude’s has transformed Winnie’s life. Coming from a poor family, in a country where most girls don’t even make it to Year 5, Winnie would never have had a chance at a high-quality education.

Rebel's cause: Winnie at home in 2003 and on the swings at St Jude's.
Rebel's cause: Winnie at home in 2003 and on the swings at St Jude's.

Now Winnie is preparing to give back by spending her gap year volunteering in the Beyond St Jude’s program.

“From my heart, the school and my sponsor have provided me so much, much more than I expected in my life, so I want to give thanks, give back,” she said.

“If I wasn’t at St Jude’s, I don’t think I would be graduating, I would maybe be doing odd jobs and selling things in the streets.

“And I’m sure I would not be friends with a movie star.” 

From sponsorship to friendship: Winnie sharing her home and school life with Rebel in 2014.
From sponsorship to friendship: Winnie sharing her home and school life with Rebel in 2014.