Inside St Jude's

Our monthly podcast

Follow our story with our podcast, Inside St Jude’s. Each month, our student hosts engage in inspiring conversations with members of the St Jude’s community.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to stay up to date, alternatively browse our previous episodes here and stream straight from our website.

Listen on:

Season 6
Season 6 Season 5 Season 4 Season 3 Season 2 Season 1
September 9, 2024
Talking Agriculture with Mr Ibrahim

In this episode, our studio has a guest student host, Zahra, who joins Fatuma for a chat with St Jude's agriculture teacher, Mr Ibrahim. Their discussion highlights how St Jude’s holistic approach to education prepares students for opportunities in agriculture, Tanzania’s biggest economic sector. Mr Ibrahim also shares some interesting initiatives at the school farm.



August 6, 2024
Cultivating Confidence in Public Speaking

Our student hosts, Fatuma and Lilian, sit for a chat with Mwajabu, the current Tanzanian Debate Championship and fellow students at St Jude’s.



May 16, 2024
Relive St Jude’s Science Day 2024.

Every year, St Jude’s hosts the Science Fair, a special event highlighting our students’ creativity and innovation.

The 2024 Science Fair at St Jude’s featured innovative projects from students in science, ICT, mathematics, and art.

Our young innovators from primary and secondary schools presented working models and designed experiments that addressed challenges in environmental conservation, agriculture, IT, sustainable energy, and much more.



April 18, 2024
Women in Leadership

St Jude's student hosts, Lilian and Fatuma, chat with Human Resources Manager Rehema. Rehema shares her inspiring journey to becoming a female leader in HR and highlights how St Jude's empowers its female students to achieve similar leadership roles.



March 19, 2024
Q & A with St Jude’s Alumni, Sule and Winnie

Our student hosts, Lilian and Fatuma, catch up with Suleiman and Winnie, who are currently in Australia with St Jude’s Founder, Gemma. The pair reflect on their early days at St Jude’s, the Australian tour, and their flourishing careers.



February 15, 2024
Back to School

Welcome to Season 6 of Inside St Jude’s! Meet our new hosts, Fatuma and Lilian, and some exciting new segments. For Episode 1, join our guest Herieth, St Jude’s alum and teacher who opens up on her early days at St Jude’s



December 16, 2023
Our classroom renovation

On this episode of Inside St Jude's, Fatuma speaks to Ms Julieth, a primary school teacher of 10 years. She dives into student enrollment, probation processes and most importantly St Jude's new classroom renovation project. She shares how the newly renovated classrooms will support quality education for students and teachers.



October 16, 2023
Mentoring Young Minds

In this episode of Inside St Jude’s, Irene and Teresia speak to Mr Elibariki, a mentor and a leader of career clubs at St Jude’s. He dives into the A Level Mentorship Program that is facilitated every year to empower A Level students with real-life skills and prepare them to embrace their next stage of academic life.



September 6, 2023
Dr Jane Goodall’s Visit

On this episode of Inside St Jude’s, Dr Jane Goodall, a world-renowned ethologist and environmentalist and the founder of the Roots and Shoots club shares about her life, early life, work and activism. Also, members of the Roots & Shoots club who met Dr Goodall during her visit to St Jude's share their experience.



August 9, 2023
Embracing African Culture

On this episode of Inside St Jude’s, Mr Kephas, our talented art teacher here at St Jude’s speaks about art and how St Jude's is committed to preserving and promoting cultural creativity by creating an inclusive and inspiring environment for students to express themselves and celebrate their roots.



July 10, 2023
Opening up the world of opportunities

In this episode of Inside St Jude's, Enock, a St Jude's alum who was on an Australian tour and a book launch led by Gemma Sisia, our Founder and Director shares his experiences throughout the journey.



May 6, 2023
What Happens on House Checks?

On this episode of Inside St Jude’s, Teresia and Irene talk to St Jude’s staff who volunteered to conduct House Checks for Form 5 students who were shortlisted for St Jude’s scholarships.

House checks are the next step after the scholarship application process is completed. The staff conduct House Checks to determine which students would benefit most from a scholarship to study at St Jude’s.



April 5, 2023
The Role of Science to Students

On this episode of 'Inside St Jude's' Teresia and Irene speak to some of the talented scientists and learned more about their unique inventions at Science Day.

Science Day is an annual event hosted by St Jude's Girls’ Secondary School earlier this month.

On this day, students put their creativity to work and present innovative solutions in a wide variety of disciplines including agriculture, environmental conservation, machinery, automation, art, physics, and much more.



March 13, 2023
Health, Happiness and Sustainability

In this episode of Inside St Jude's, Teresia and Irene have toured the school to ask staff, students and visitors about their thoughts on health, happiness, and sustainability.



February 4, 2023
Starting Secondary School

In this episode of 'Inside St Jude's', Irene and Teresia speak with Ms Upendo, a teacher and Level Coordinator.

This year, St Jude’s welcomed 240 new Form 1 students to our two secondary schools. And since it’s a new beginning for them, the school has teachers who are selected as Level Coordinators to help the new students adjust to the new environment.



December 8, 2022
Looking Forward to the Future

On this episode of Inside St Jude’s, Abdulkarim and Joanita who are Standard 7 graduates talk about their primary education and their upcoming plans.



November 12, 2022
Embracing the next academic journey

On this episode of Inside St Jude’s, Stephen and Fatina, both Form 4 students talk about their biggest milestone of completing Form 4. They are waiting for final examinations that mark the end of their O Level studies and the start of their A Level academic journey.



September 28, 2022
Focus: Bringing St Jude’s Community Together

In this episode of Inside St Jude’s, Teresia and Irene speak with Focus. He is part of the People and Culture team, which engages with the school community and strengthens the school's spirit. Focus shares about his role, how he works to bring the community together and the St Jude’s Spirit program.



August 31, 2022
Edgar: Sustainability in Action

In this episode of Inside St Jude’s, Gemma speaks with Edgar, a St Jude’s alum who is now a fully-fledged philanthropic entrepreneur, transforming plastic waste into building products. Edgar combines managing his successful business with university studies in the US, all with the goal of lifting other youth out of poverty and paving the way toward a brighter, cleaner Tanzania.

Click here to see Edgar’s plastic lumber products.



July 29, 2022
The Future of Alumni

In this episode of Inside St Jude’s, Teresia and Irene are talking to Ms Irene, who leads the Alumni team at The School of St Jude. She works with St Jude’s students and alumni to help them choose the right career paths and shape their futures.



June 23, 2022
Promoting Values through Sports

On this episode of Inside St Jude’s, Anna and Benson, Form 5 and 3 students speak to Cathbert. He is a Community Service Year (CSY) volunteer assisting St Jude’s People and Culture team. Cathbert shares his experience as a CSY volunteer and how sports contribute to the school’s values.



May 27, 2022
Becoming Future Leaders

Teresia and Irene speak with two Form 6 graduates, Nasra and Peter, in this episode of Inside St Jude’s. During graduation, Nasra was named Best in Netball, and Best Leader while Peter won awards for Best in Arts and volunteering for stage decorating. The two reflect on their time at St Jude’s and talk about their future plans as they prepare to embrace the next chapter of the lives… tertiary education.



May 4, 2022
Developing Values through Music

In this episode of Inside St Jude's, Theresia and Irene speak with Mr Beda. He has been teaching music at St Jude's for more than a decade. Mr Beda explains how he uses music to develop his students' self-expression, self-esteem, talents, and strengths.



April 1, 2022
Empowering Future Female Leaders

In this episode of Inside St Jude’s, Teresia and Irene are eager to learn about leadership skills. The two students speak with Ms Kabula, who assists with communicating with the school's most generous supporters, about her role, career, background, inspirations, and aspirations.



March 2, 2022
Path to Success

In this episode of ‘Inside St Jude’s’ we are introducing our new student hosts, Teresia and Irene, who speak to Geovin. Geovin placed first in the country for the Form 2 National Assessment last year and Teresia and Irene were curious to find out about his path to success.



February 9, 2022
St Jude’s 20th Birthday

The school is celebrating its 20th birthday this year, a significant milestone! In this episode of Inside St Jude’s, Gemma speaks with staff members who have been at the school since its humble beginnings.



December 15, 2021
Episode 12: Jane - We Love Visitors

In this episode of Inside St Jude's, Gemma talks to Jane who is part of our dedicated Visitors team, working tirelessly to welcome visitors, create itineraries and ensure that visitors at the school feel at home.
Get a glimpse into how you can visit one of the largest charity schools of its kind in Africa. You can take part in well-planned activities with our students and see, first-hand, our success in fighting poverty through education.



December 3, 2021
Episode 11: Mr Alex – Helping to launch a ground-breaking English as a Second Language (ESL) Program for St Jude’s students and staff

In this episode of Inside St Jude’s, Gemma speaks with Alex about the new ESL Program which means English as a Second Language.
The English learning program is open to all students and staff and aims to improve their speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills.
Alex, who is a St Jude's alum, is one of the five ESL staff members who manages and facilitates the ESL program.
Visit our website at www.schoolofstjude.org if you would like to donate to our ESL Program.



November 4, 2021
Episode 10: Charles & Tatu

In this latest episode of Inside St Jude’s, I chat with Charles and Tatu, two alumni who are members of the Alumni Association of The School of St Jude. 



September 28, 2021
Mr Kephas - Creativity

In this episode of Inside St Jude’s, Gemma talks art with Mr Kephas, one of our wonderful art teachers.

Mr Kephas has been sharing his creativity with St Jude’s students since 2013. He explains that creativity goes beyond painting and sculpting – when Mr Kephas’ students begin to express their creativity, there’s no stopping them!



August 25, 2021
Irene & Mwasiti - Nurturing Leadership

In this episode of Inside St Jude’s, Gemma speaks with Mwasiti and Irene, two inspiring, future leaders from our girls’ secondary school.

Despite their demanding academic schedule, Irene and Mwasiti always make time for sports and debate competitions, developing their skills and self-confidence to become the future leaders of tomorrow.



August 2, 2021
Mr Silomba - A Day in the Life of a Headmaster

In the latest episode of Inside St Jude’s, Gemma speaks to Mr Silomba, Headmaster of St Jude's Primary School. Learn about his day-to-day life as a headmaster and his eagerness to help students become young intellectuals.



June 28, 2021
Winnie - A Story of Transformation

In this episode of Inside St Jude’s, Gemma speaks to Winnie. She’s a St Jude’s alum and she’s now back at her school, employed in the Sponsor Relations team. Winnie’s story is a true transformation and a celebration of St Jude’s spirit coming full circle.



May 26, 2021
Zahra & Christopher – Two Stories of Hope

In this episode of Inside St Jude’s, Gemma speaks to Zahra and Christopher, primary students in Standard 7.

Zahra and Christopher share their accomplishments, their hopes for the future and their belief in the power of education to fight poverty in Tanzania.



April 26, 2021
Ester & Victor - St Jude's Special

On this episode of Inside St Jude's, Gemma speaks to Ester and Victor, St Jude’s Form 6 graduates who are currently in their Community Service Year as volunteer teachers in local government schools here in Tanzania.

Ester and Victor will also be hosting The St Jude’s Special: An online event with Gemma and graduates... our first online fundraising event.

Streaming will be available for 96 hours only, from Thursday 29 April at 9 am Australian Eastern Standard Time to Monday 3 May at 9 am.



March 29, 2021
Frida – Role of a Boarding Parent

On this episode of Inside St Jude's, Gemma speaks with Frida, a boarding parent at St Jude's for over a decade!

Frida highlights what it's like to be a boarding parent for our students, her passion for her job after so many years and, the importance of a boarding school for students in Tanzania.



February 19, 2021
Avity – Learning From Others

On this episode of ‘Inside St Jude’s’, Gemma speaks to our latest podcast guest, Avity, a Beyond St Jude’s Officer. He sheds light on a very exciting new program to help Form 4 graduates on a different academic pathway to higher education… or what is called, the Alternative Pathways Program (APP).

He also gives you an insight into how The School of St Jude supports our graduates in so many ways!



January 29, 2021
Shamsia & Daudi - Looking Forward

On this episode of ‘Inside St Jude’s’, Gemma speaks to Shamsia and Daudi, Form 6 students who’ve been friends since Standard 4 about their future aspirations.



December 8, 2020
Odemari – We Love Visitors!

In this episode of ‘Inside St Jude’s’, Gemma speaks to Odemari, a bubbly and hospitable member of the Visitor Team. He has years of experience with hosting thousands of international visitors here at The School of St Jude.

Usually, the school welcomes over 1,000 visitors every year; providing first-hand insight into how we are fighting poverty through education. It’s a special part of any itinerary to Tanzania! Sadly, due to COVID-19 and travel restrictions, our visitor numbers have decreased dramatically in 2020.

We hope this conversation inspires you to visit St Jude’s when the world opens up again as we love and miss visitors!



November 5, 2020
Ericsson – Leading by Example

In the latest episode of ‘Inside St Jude’s’, Gemma speaks to Ericsson, a proud St Jude’s alum who has just received an external scholarship to study his Masters overseas. He is an ambitious and driven graduate with hopes to pursue a career in Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Enterprise Development.

Listen as Ericcson and Gemma remember the early days of St Jude’s, talk about his passions and big plans for the future.



October 2, 2020
Ms Julieth – Opening Opportunities

On this episode of ‘Inside St Jude’s’, Gemma speaks to Ms Julieth Elias, a passionate primary English teacher.

Ms Julieth explains our student selection process, what it’s like to teach at her dream school and juggling a busy schedule.



August 21, 2020
Elibariki – Shaping Future Leaders

On this episode of ‘Inside St Jude’s’, Gemma speaks to Mr Elibariki Malisa, a Career Guidance Counsellor based out of Smith Campus. He has been guiding and advising our secondary students on how to set their future goals, which subjects to take and what careers are suited to them.

To understand and guide his students efficiently, Mr Elibariki uses personality and interest tests to determine students’ passions.



July 28, 2020
Mr Musa – Education, Dedication and Empowerment

On this episode of ‘Inside St Jude’s’, Gemma speaks to our extremely dedicated and passionate Kiswahili teacher… Mr Musa Shekinyasi. He has been working at The School of St Jude for seven years, starting out as a boarding parent.

Mr Musa’s biggest inspiration is his mother, who is also a teacher and instilled in him the importance of educating women. Schools in Tanzania are open and Musa is happy to be back teaching his students after more than three months away, with his focus on preparing them for their national examinations.



June 26, 2020
Edna & Irene – The Full Circle

Two alumni, two very different tales, two full circle moments… Gemma speaks to our latest podcast guests, Edna and Irene. Edna is now employed here at St Jude’s and shares what it’s like to return to the school and work alongside some of her ex-teachers. Irene is studying in Lebanon on a MasterCard Scholarship. Irene, along with 29 fellow alumni, formed a group named St Jude’s Diaspora and raised AU$700 for the school community during COVID-19. These inspiring, full-circle moments result from 18 years of hard work, dedication and passion. We know our current students are well on the way to becoming wonderful alumni, just like Edna and Irene.



May 27, 2020
Philip – Community Caretaker

Our Head of Community Relations, Philip, speaks about his experience delivering the COVID-19 Family Care Packages across Northern Tanzania and his realisation of the great need for them. As news of families struggling more emerges during this crisis, Philip and his team are working hard to provide extra care and support to students who are most in need. With a background in aviation, listen as he speaks to Gemma about his transition from planes to people and his dreams of helping the community coming to fruition.



April 22, 2020
Mr Seba and St Jude’s COVID-19 Response

How do you prepare an entire school and its staff for a global pandemic? Our Deputy Headmaster of Operations, Mr Sebastian Gitbang has a few solutions up his sleeve! As a long-serving staff member of St Jude’s he has played a major role in preparing and protecting the school against COVID-19. Listen as Seba speaks to Gemma about his history with the school, balancing his work and family life and talking to a few key members of staff about their contributions in a time of crisis.



March 20, 2020
Madam Irene – A Woman in the Midst of Men

Irene Urio is one of the youngest teachers at St Jude’s. She is also one of the most popular! Her upbringing at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro and experience as a young bright school student have influenced the way she approaches her job as a teacher. Listen as Irene speaks about becoming a civics teacher at the brand new St Jude’s Girls’ Secondary School and why she thinks the opening of the new girls’ secondary school will be important for both boys and girls.



February 13, 2020
Hosts with the most, Irene and Rickson

Irene and Rickson are a dynamic duo. They’re inseparable on campus and two of the friendliest faces you’ll see when visiting The School of St Jude. Both were members of the 2019 graduating class and now, Irene and Rickson, are voluntary Community Service Year interns in the Visitor team as part of the Beyond St Jude’s program. Listen to their memories as St Jude’s students, plus stories of their families, and what it’s like meeting hundreds of international visitors that come to the school each year.



January 13, 2020
New Year, New Era (SPECIAL EDITION)

The beginning of 2020 is the dawn of a new era at St Jude’s – the launch of our girls’ secondary school. Join us as Gemma sits down with Facilities Manager, Laurian, who has played an enormous role ensuring this new venture is built on solid foundations - managing the construction, transport and IT services needed for our new campus. He also shares personal stories about the importance of educating girls, and the impact his mother had on who he is today. Tune in to gain an exclusive look inside an historic time at St Jude’s.



December 12, 2019
My Mentor, Mark

Mark Cubit, also known as our philanthropic friend, flew all the way from Australia just to sit down and have a chat with Gemma. Well, at least that’s what we tell ourselves! Mark is the Chairperson of the East African Fund (the organisation representing the Australian support base of the school), a St Jude’s board member and general philanthropist. Join us as he talks about all things St Jude’s – from how he first found out about the school, why he chose to get involved and the launch of the new girls’ school.



November 18, 2019
Mr Mcharo - Man on a Mission

St Jude’s Acting Academic Manager, Mr Mcharo, joined the school on Tuesday, 9th June 2009 - yes he's the kind of man who can remember the exact date! With his attention to detail, thirst for knowledge and passion for teaching, he's made a big impact in the last ten years. Listen in as he chats with Gemma, giving a candid insight into his dedication and proudly reflecting on the achievements of his students and their potential to become the industry leaders of the future.



October 15, 2019
Charlotte – Connecting with Community

Charlotte first began her St Jude’s journey in 2004, moving all the way from France to Tanzania to help out in the accounting team. After pursuing her own interests for several years, she returned to St Jude’s four years ago as the Community Relations Manager and has been instrumental in helping ensure the brightest, poorest students receive a scholarship to St Jude’s. Fifteen years after first arriving, she still maintains the passion and enthusiasm she had on day one for fighting poverty through education. Join us as Gemma and Charlotte reflect on their journey, sharing memories and talking about the future of St Jude’s.



September 13, 2019
Vivian - Worldly Woman

She is our Beyond St Jude’s Coordinator, a qualified lawyer, community campaigner and St Jude’s style icon – her name is Vivian. Listen in as Gemma chats with Vivian about her role working with our Community Service Year interns and scholars, the role her step-mum had in the path she’s taken and her thoughts on the historic news that St Jude’s is opening an all-girls campus in 2020.



August 9, 2019
Amani - A Trusted Tradie

He installed the first light fittings at The School of St Jude 17 years ago and has been lighting up the schoolyard ever since! Head of School Maintenance, Amani, has the huge job of keeping the biggest charity school of its kind in Africa up and running. In this podcast the personable handyman reveals how St Jude’s has changed his life, why he was once chased with a machete on the job and even gives an insight into his love life. A heartwarming chat about what it took to build St Jude’s from the ground up and provide a free, quality education to 1,800 students – not to be missed!



July 19, 2019
Amani – Aspiring Leader

Amani joined St Jude’s from an orphanage more than a decade ago and is currently studying at university in Zimbabwe, using his free, quality education to become a medical laboratory scientist. In this podcast he recounts personal anecdotes, revealing his ambition, resilience and humility and how his life has been transformed by St Jude’s. A born leader, Amani is a fitting first interviewee!