Faith in action

Walking the school grounds where her journey began, dressed in a traditional bright red and yellow kitenge dress, alum Faith Samwel takes in the familiar sights of Sisia Campus. She points to the primary school oval where she used to play football at lunch, the bus fleet, that has grown since her time at St Jude’s, and her first classroom in Standard 1, now a Standard 4 classroom.

“I used to sit right at the back in the corner,” she says, peering inside to see the students busy at their desks. “On the bus, I always sat on the window side because I loved putting my head out. I also loved playing football with my friends at lunch. It was always the fun part of my day.”

Though it has been years since she roamed Sisia Campus as a student, Faith’s memories of her time at St Jude’s are as fresh as ever. The second youngest of five sisters, Faith was raised by her mother, who worked tirelessly to support the family. Her journey at St Jude’s began in 2007 when she received a scholarship to study at St Jude’s Primary School.

“St Jude’s gave me opportunities. It feels amazing to be back and see how the school has changed. But some things will always feel like home and that’s what this place is to me,” she says.

During her time at St Jude’s, she developed a passion for chemistry and mathematics; subjects which would guide her academic path and professional ambitions.

“I have always loved science and mathematics; they were my favourite subjects in school,” she says.

After graduating from St Jude’s in 2020, Faith returned to her community as part of St Jude’s Community Service Year (CSY), teaching chemistry, mathematics, and physics to over 500 government school students at Mlangarini Secondary School.

She continued this passion and determination into her tertiary studies, receiving a full scholarship to study a Bachelor of Civil Engineering at Mbeya University of Science and Technology, supported through the Beyond St Jude’s Scholarship Program (BSJSP). Graduating in 2025, she became the first engineer in her family.

While at university, Faith’s entrepreneurial spirit flourished. She launched Hair Gallery, a natural hair-oil business, applying her engineering skills to product development and supply-chain management to create natural products that strengthen and promote hair growth. By her second year, she had opened her first shop, and before graduating, she expanded to a second location, employing two staff members.

Alongside running her growing business, Faith was elected as the student representative on the university’s academic board, where she advocated for student academic issues and helped plan major academic events, including graduations and student forums.

“I was very busy, but I loved it. I am so passionate about it all, and you just make it work,” she says.

Today, Faith remains closely connected to St Jude’s and continues to grow Hair Gallery with support from St Jude’s Next Frontier Incubator and Small Grants Program. Launched in 2025, the program provides small startup grants, mentoring and business training to entrepreneurial young graduates.

After an intensive pitching round last year, Faith received AU$1,200 to help expand her business, an opportunity she is eager to build on while also pursuing a career as a civil engineer in the construction industry.

“I am so grateful for the support I continue to receive through the school’s incubator program. The guidance and encouragement I receive gives me the confidence to pursue my dreams and make a difference in my community,” says Faith.

Currently Faith is travelling around Australia with Gemma to share her story and show firsthand how access to free primary, secondary and tertiary education has changed not only her life, but that of her family and her community. They have and will continue to speak at events across the country, inviting Australians to learn about St Jude’s impact.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone in Australia who made mine, and so many others students’ education possible. I’m excited to share my story and show how St Jude’s has changed my life,” says Faith.