Sarah first landed in Tanzania almost a year ago to spend six months volunteering on an entrepreneurship program in rural villages.
Inspired by the power of working with and not on behalf of Tanzanian communities, she jumped at the chance to use her marketing experience at St Jude’s in October last year.
“I fell in love with Tanzania. Being from the UK, I hadn’t heard of the St Jude’s story in as much depth as the Australian population.”
“Being at the School has opened my eyes to what an incredible organisation this is.”
“I want to impact how we communicate the achievements of St Jude’s and our students in new and exciting ways. I want a global audience to hear about the outcomes we have in raising communities out of poverty.”
Equipped with eight years’ experience in the charity sector, Sarah believes working at St Jude’s provides a unique opportunity to live and work on the site of an international project which, every day, changes lives.
“You can see the progress of the people we support, from the youngest students, to those completing secondary school. And, with the development of Beyond St Jude’s, graduates giving back through a Community Service Year and going on to university.”
In the four months since Sarah started working at St Jude’s, she says her life has already been changed.
“There have been some incredible experiences so far. Uniform Day was very special, but St Jude’s Day was my first experience of the whole school and local community coming together. The feeling of unity and celebration was indescribable.”
“In the Marketing team, we want to communicate how wonderful St Jude’s is with as many people as possible around the world. To convey the same feelings I have when stood among our community — hearing the songs, watching the dancing, eating school lunches and the buzz of weekly assemblies. I want everyone to share those experiences.”
Life in Arusha may be vastly different from Cambridge, Sarah’s hometown, but the bustling, mountainside city lends opportunity for international staff and St Jude’s visitors to explore some of Tanzania’s breathtaking sites.
“Arusha is very green, and I love that it’s in the foothills of Mount Meru, which you can always see. It’s majestic.”
“It’s also a convenient place to live. The shops are good, transport is efficient, the climate is great. There’s a wide range of local and international cuisine to try.”
“The truth is, I can’t think of many challenges I’ve faced [living in Arusha]. St Jude’s immediately felt familiar to me. I love that the commute between my house and the office takes about 40 seconds.”
“It is a privilege to be in a situation where I can walk outside the office doors and speak to students, teachers, fellow workers, and to Gemma, the organisation’s Founder, about what we do.”
A word of advice for anyone considering applying for a position at St Jude’s?
“Working at St Jude’s ticks so many boxes. You can be part of a large not-for-profit with more than 300 staff, and it’s one of the few chances you’ll get to work in an international development organisation onsite at the cause.”
“If you are someone who values new experiences, adventure and philanthropy, then this is a great opportunity for you. Hurry up and get here! You won’t regret it.”
Tides are shifting at St Jude’s and there has never been a more exciting time to join the fight against poverty through education. What are you waiting for? Check out our current vacancies and apply for the role of a lifetime today!
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