The generosity of locals from Young and the surrounding areas has created a lasting impact in Tanzania, where The School of St Jude continues to fight poverty through education.
Founded in 2002 by Australian humanitarian Gemma Sisia, the school provides free scholarships to 100% of its 1,800 primary and secondary students, offering them a chance to break the cycle of poverty and transform their futures.
St Jude’s is more than just a school it’s a beacon of hope in a country where education is often out of reach for many. In addition to providing top quality education, the school supports the local community by offering jobs, with 98% of the staff being Tanzanian. Its influence reaches far beyond the classroom, improving social, economic, and health outcomes for the families involved.
Recently, Gemma and St Jude’s graduate John Stanley visited Young Golf Club to share the incredible impact the school has had on both students and the wider community in Tanzania.
The event, which was organised by the Rotary Club of Young and local volunteers, drew a crowd of nearly 100 people who were moved by the stories shared. “I’m so grateful for the warm reception we received in Young,” Gemma said. “It’s heartening to know that so many people here open their hearts to help us continue making a difference.”
John Stanley, who began his education at St Jude’s as a young child, spoke passionately about the transformative role the school played in his life. Now a graduate with a scholarship to study at the African Leadership University in Mauritius, John is a testament to the power of education in breaking down barriers. He also shared how St Jude’s graduates, like him, give back to their communities by volunteering and teaching in local government schools.
“This year, our graduates have helped educate 112,000 students in local schools, a clear sign of the ripple effect St Jude’s is having across Tanzania,” Gemma added. The school’s success is rooted in its commitment to holistic education. With three campuses, including boarding houses for high school students, St Jude’s offers a well-rounded experience that includes sports, music, art, and a range of extracurricular activities. Every dollar raised goes directly to funding the school, ensuring that resources are efficiently used to provide a top-quality education for students.
“In 2015, St Jude’s launched the Beyond St Jude’s program, supporting graduates in pursuing tertiary education. To date, more than 400 young people have benefited from the program, with graduates going on to become doctors, engineers, teachers, and entrepreneurs.
“This year alone, we have more than 400 students studying at 60 different universities around the world,” Gemma said. “Our alumni are emerging as role models and future leaders for Tanzania.”
Gemma’s remarkable contribution to education has been recognised both in Australia and Africa. Through her vision, St Jude’s has grown from humble beginnings to become one of the largest charity schools in Africa, with a significant impact on the future of Tanzania.
The South West Slopes Times covers an area approximately the size of Fiji in country NSW. We look after a population of more than 50,000 people with our staff servicing 7 major towns and dozens of villages with our story telling footprint.
We offer weekly print editions at $3 a copy and we also offer digital subscriptions across 3 months $30, 6 months $60 and 12 months $120.
We are one of the last truly local independent family run newspaper businesses in the state.
Contact us today to find out how we can promote your business or organisation across our huge network by emailing ads@thetimes.net.au or by calling 0413 763 216.
If you have a news tip, lead or scoop for us please make contact as we love celebrating our communities. You can contribute articles via our South West Slopes Times website.
