Kiswahili word of the month

JAMII

[jah-MEE-ee] Noun. Singular

The word Jamii means community. It represents the idea of people coming together, supporting one another, and sharing a common purpose or identity. At St Jude’s, the spirit of Jamii is everywhere. No more so than this month, when the entire St Jude’s community of 1,800 students and 350+ staff gathered on the campus to celebrate St Jude’s Day. It is one of the biggest and most anticipated events on the school calendar, and it is a reminder of our shared mission and vision.

History

While Jamii is a common Swahili word used across East Africa, its meaning has grown over time. Traditionally, it referred to villages or neighbourhoods where people relied on one another for daily life and survival. Today, Jamii extends beyond physical locations to any group bonded by shared purpose, values, or experiences. In places like St Jude’s, it represents the modern idea of a supportive, inclusive community.

How to use the word …

• The school garden project showed real Jamii, with everyone pitching in to help.
• The spirit of Jamii was seen when students helped each other in class.
• Everyone enjoyed a sense of Jamii during the lunch time activities.