“Hold on, take a moment to celebrate. There is music in the wind, let’s dance one more time. There’s a rhythm deep within, let’s dance one more time. One more time, sing a song, we will remember.”
These were the stirring lyrics that rang out across the Smith Secondary Assembly Hall on May 25th as the Class of 2019 raised their voices in perfect unison, the joy palpable in the air. Proudly singing their farewell song to the people that helped them reach a milestone unattainable for many young people in Tanzania – graduating from secondary school – they sang their gratitude for what had been and hope for what was yet to come.
Special guests, sponsors and donors from Australia, the UK and the United States, parents, St Jude’s staff and students packed out the hall to see the school’s fifth Form 6 year group walk across the stage to receive their leaving certificates.
St Jude’s Founding Director, Gemma Sisia, honoured not only the students but the whole St Jude’s community who have worked together tirelessly to create long-lasting change for the students throughout their 13 years of education.
“It is a wonderful celebration today, it’s our largest Form 6 cohort so congratulations to all 169 of you. You have a future of opportunity stretching out in front of you. However, you wouldn’t have reached where you are without a lot of people behind you doing a lot to help you on your way.”
“You wouldn’t be in this hall if it wasn’t for the Smith family, we wouldn’t have a school if we didn’t have a School Board - Mama Maeda has never missed a board meeting, our Parent Committee who help bridge the gap between home and school and, of course, we are very humbled by the contribution of our sponsors and donors,” Gemma said from the heart.
She also recognised all of the staff, without whose contribution the school would not run. Managers were gifted the sought-after Tanzanian delicacy of a chicken and our hardworking Secondary Headmaster, Mr Mcharo, was gifted a cow! He has plans to share his gift with the whole school.
Primary students and the award-winning Ngoma dance club added vibrant musical items to the program and Mr Tsingay ensured the proceedings ran smoothly taking the role of Master of Ceremonies.
A highlight of the day was a passionate address from graduates Rahim and Zulfa, who reflected on the achievements of their year level and the challenges ahead of them.
“We would like to show our sincere appreciation to our beloved Mama, Gemma Sisia, for her hard work and kind-hearted spirit. You have supported our education by working with donors and sponsors for so many years! Many of the sponsors and donors have crossed oceans to witness our graduation today and your work has made us stronger people.” Rahim insisted.
The audience also heard from sponsor, Jenny Fitzpatrick, who spoke to the graduates on behalf of all of the school’s sponsors and donors, particularly all that had travelled long distances to be part of the day.
“The graduation program is a wonderful experience and a wonderful chance to get to know our students. We would like to thank your families who have welcomed us into your homes and into your hearts. You are the future, enjoy your celebrations,” Jenny beamed.
Before drawing the ceremony to a close, Mr Mcharo asked students to remember one important thing from their time in the classroom, “mathematics teaches us one important thing, every problem has a solution”. Our graduates are now equipped with the tools to be a solver of problems; a receiver of opportunities and a beacon of inspiration.
It’s all thanks to the combined effort of thousands of people worldwide, who see the change that is possible for our students. Celebrating 169 of our Form 6 students graduate demonstrates exactly how St Jude’s is fulfilling its mission of ‘fighting poverty through education’.
Congratulations to the Class of 2019, we are all so proud of you.
Give more bright, poor students the gift of graduation by sponsoring their academic scholarship today as part of our 2019 Annual Appeal.
Wide eyed Form 2 student, Marium, came within meters of a buffalo, a herbivore regarded as one of the most dangerous animals in Africa.
From the safety of a St Jude's school bus, she was seeing her biology and geography classes come to life in the heart of one of Tanzania's renowned national parks, the Arusha National Park.
'My heart was pumping, we had been learning in class the difference between female and male buffalo, so to be seeing them that close was something you just can't experience in the classroom. I could even see their weight, head size and type of horns, Marium excitedly shared, after the encounter.
Located just 25km from the Smith Secondary Campus, the varied national park ecosystem is literally on the doorstep for St Jude's students.
Into the field: 180 students packed out the St Jude's busses for a tour of the park.
This popular National Park is visited by keen geographers and biologists from across the world, yet many Tanzanian children don't get the chance to experience the national park that is located in their own backyard.
The School of St Jude is determined to change that, ensuring students have the opportunity to experience the unique attractions of their own country. Thanks to generous donors, all classes from primary to secondary, participate in at least one excursion trip per year.
With Mount Meru, Africa's fifth highest mountain, making for a spectacular backdrop the intrigued students quizzed the guides about the rare colubus monkeys playing in the canopies above and the grazing zebra herds.
'I did not know there are different types of zebra and we were shown them all here in Arusha National Park, Marium reflected.
The excursion was also about educating the 180 Form 2 students on the threats facing the animals of their homeland.
Classes come to life: Students are taught about the geography of the parks, thanks to qualified guides.
'Animal poaching has been in the news recently and coming to the park we have learnt how we can help stop that. I have learnt how animals depend on each other in the wild. Mama Gemma [referring to Founder, Gemma Sisia] was smart to make the Arusha National Park our extended backyard; I now want to protect it. Instead of just writing in the class, you can see it practically with your own eyes," Form 2 student, Andrea, explained while exploring the dense forest.
It's this experience of being able to relate theory to the real world that is the goal of taking students on this kind of excursion, Head of Geography, Mr Elimringi, said.
'In classes we can really only guide students on theory, so once we expose them to these trips they can interpret the theory in a whole new way. We find these trips often make students more interested and engaged with the subjects, he shared while watching students explore the wetlands.
Outdoor classroom: Head of Geography, Mr Elimringi, briefs students about how their classroom learning relates to the world around them.
When it came time for Marium and her classmates to leave the ranging buffalo herd in their natural habitat, they departed having put their learning into context in one very varied and internationally-renowned classroom.
Help our students learn and explore on excursions outside the classroom. Donate today.
Judica, one of St Jude’s very first students, and soon to become one of our first university graduates, proudly flew the flag for Tanzania and for The School of St Jude as she retold her story and the story of the school.
Judica stepped up on to the podium and captured the 2,500-strong audience as she stood, dressed in her traditional kitenge, and sang the national anthem of Tanzania. She proudly shared her story of how, with the help of St Jude’s, her journey has taken her from extreme poverty to university, where she is currently studying Banking and Finance at the University of Dar Es Salaam.
Judica and the school’s Supporter Development Facilitator, Leonie, travelled to Dubai to give one of the keynote speeches at an International Association of Lions Clubs Forum for the India, South Asia, Africa and Middle East (ISAAME) region in December, attended by Lions members from 64 countries across this region, as well as special European and American guests.
Judica and Leonie were also involved in an hour long presentation and Q&A with the Leos of the Middle East, being the younger members of the organisation.
Honouring the first female international president, the main theme of the event was “Advocate for the Achievement of Gender Equality and Women Empowerment”.
The event saw Middle East Lions Club launch its new special project with St Jude’s, “Fighting Poverty through Education” – the school’s motto. The Lions commitment to working with St Jude’s stems from the common goal of providing women and girls with equal access to education, as per the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5.
“At St Jude’s, they encourage Tanzanian youth to do more than just succeed,” said Augusto di Pietro, International Representative and Coordinating Officer for the Lions Clubs Middle East. “They empower them to become leaders and we are excited to work together to see more success stories like Judica’s.”
Each year, The School of St Jude community comes together for a day of celebration in honour of its namesake, the patron saint of hopeless cases.
Founder, Gemma Sisia, chose the school’s name nearly 20 years ago as a nod to her own faith and belief that there is hope for every child to live a good life, rich with knowledge, love and compassion.
These three values were demonstrated at the 2018 St Jude’s Day celebration, celebrated on Friday October 26 at Smith Secondary Campus – two days before St Jude’s official Feast Day.
Our school’s students come from some of the most economically disadvantaged corners of Arusha. From families who hold on to steadfast hope that their child’s education will spread a ripple effect throughout their community and help them to navigate their way out of poverty.
Inspired by the gift of the free, quality education their child has received from St Jude’s, these families donate household goods and simple food items to others in even greater need within Arusha.
Students offered the gifts during a special Mass held at the beginning of St Jude’s Day and, in the days following, the gifts were distributed to orphanages and community centres.
Erick, a current Form 4 student and winner of the 2017 Young Scientist Tanzania competition, is aware of the importance of giving back.
“I could not be where I am now without support from St Jude’s. We as students will do whatever we can to spread the school’s message beyond our families. We want to help the community through the gift of education we have received,” he said.
St Jude’s Day was also a chance for the school’s youngest students to meet with their older peers, enjoying colourful performances together throughout the day.
“I love seeing the secondary students in costume and dancing on the stage. They are very talented,” Emmy, a Standard 5 student at Sisia Primary Campus, said.
“Another good thing is the food. We eat royo (roast beef), bananas, rice and vegetables. It is delicious!” Emmy described.
To end the day of celebration, the school gathered after lunch for a concert, when primary and secondary student groups performed cultural dances and songs of gratitude to Mama Gemma and St Jude.
Class 2C from Sisia Primary Campus and the Ngoma Dance Club from Smith Secondary Campus emerged as the overall concert winners. Their combination of enthusiasm and the message their performances conveyed sent them soaring to the top of the judge’s lists!
The day concluded with an impassioned vote of thanks from Academic Manager, Ms Liz, whose words drove home the premise on which St Jude’s was founded.
“St Jude is the patron saint of hopeless causes. I want each and every one of you to know that you are not a hopeless cause. You may face situations and circumstances which seem hopeless, but you must always hold on to the hope that you will be triumphant.”
Be a part of our students’ triumphant journeys and help them give back to their community. Become a sponsor today.
Saturday October 13 marked a significant education milestone for 151 students who have successfully reached the end of their O Level scholarship at St Jude’s.
Reaching the end of O Level studies, the secondary schooling years between Forms 1-4 (Grades 8-10), is no ordinary achievement in Tanzania. While 87% of Tanzanian students between the ages of seven and 13 are enrolled in primary school, only 32% of 14-19 year old students are enrolled in secondary school.
This is largely due to Tanzania’s strict examination requirements, which exclude students who do not pass benchmark national examinations in Standard 4 (Grade 4), Standard 7 (Grade 7) and Form 4 (Grade 10).
Each of the students St Jude’s celebrated this month at the Form 4 Awards and Celebration Day has already shown considerable aptitude and motivation.
The ceremony, attended by students’ proud family members, school leaders, staff and international visitors, recognised the academic and non-academic achievements of current Form 4 students and cast the spotlight on deserving high-achievers.
The DUX of Form 4, Veronica, received awards for being Best in English, Best in Mathematics, and Overall Best in her class.
“I did not know I was going to be awarded. It was a surprise, even for my mother and father who are here. I hope they will be proud.”
When she completes secondary studies, Veronica hopes to give back to her community by pursuing a career in education.
“I would like to be a biology teacher because I know how important school is. I would like to be a role model for girls,” she enthused.
It was a day of tribute to the success of our O Level students, and to students between Forms 1-6 with talents in specialty areas, including sports, design, citizenship, science and innovation.
Debora and Lowoi, Form 4 students who were nominated to represent their class, delivered a stirring message of gratitude.
“From the bottom of our hearts, we give bundles of thanks to each and every person present, because you each had a part to play in this journey. We express our gratitude to Mama Gemma for her dream, our beloved parents for their care and guidance, teaching and non-teaching staff, and sponsors and donors who have given so much to us.”
“As this journey comes to an end, we ask you for your well wishes so we can do our best and succeed. We know there will be light shone on our path as we head towards our Form 4 exams. Celebrating this day is not an end goal. It is a part of the larger journey in life. All accomplishments are a starting point for future achievements.”
Build the bridge between O Level and A Level studies for one of our students. Take the next step and sponsor an A Level academic scholarship.
They say a picture tells a thousand words, and it was indeed an image to be imprinted on the hearts of all who attended St Jude’s fourth Form 6 Graduation: the sight of 70 Form 6 students, raising their arms in triumph and celebration at Smith Secondary Campus on May 26.
They have reached a milestone which is unattainable for many young people in Tanzania – graduating from secondary school.
The Class of 2018 joins the ranks of 325 bright, young leaders who have successfully graduated from The School of St Jude since 2015, venturing into the world as the moral and intellectual leaders of tomorrow.
In the words of School of St Jude Board Chairwoman, Bibiana Mardai, “our graduates paint the most beautiful picture of Tanzania’s future.”
St Jude’s Founding Director, Gemma Sisia, honoured students and all supporters who have given them a hand up throughout 13 years of education.
“It is thanks to good people from all around the world that this day is made possible for our Form 6 graduates,” Gemma insisted.
“The Class of 2018 hold all the tools they’ll need to reach their ambitions and make a difference in Tanzanian society,” she said.
Thousands of generous supporters who make education possible for all our students, were represented by 38 sponsors, donors and visitors from the international community in attendance at the Graduation Day ceremony.
Guest of Honour, Dr Richard Masika, Board Director for The School of St Jude, stirred the crowd with a powerful message for the graduating class, encouraging them to look towards the road ahead.
“Students are harvesting the fruits of their hard work. Finishing secondary education prepares you for the future. But, it is important to remember that finishing school does not mean the end of the road. It is the end of one stretch and the beginning of another,” he began.
“Be patient in reaching success. To whom support is given, support from them towards others is expected. Remember your responsibility to support your family, your community and Tanzania.”
Another highlight from the day was a passionate address from Christina, 2017 school captain and 2018 graduate, who reflected on her time at St Jude’s with insight and gratitude.
“Academically, we have competed against the best schools in Tanzania. With the help of our teachers, we have worked diligently. We hope we pass our exams with flying colours, proving our efforts and achievements.”
“We have learnt essential leadership skills. We have the knowledge to face the problems in our community as we go out in to the world."
"Our school values of Respect, Responsbility, Honesty and Kindness, have helped us become the leaders we are. Thank you, St Jude’s, for growing our hearts and our minds,” Christina said.
Monica Hart, a long-time School of St Jude sponsor, spoke straight from the heart to our graduates.
“You are a true example of what you can achieve once the opportunity presents itself. You have proved that you are capable of reaching the heights that were once so unattainable. As sponsors, it is with such happiness that we take you into our lives, we take pride in your work ethic, how you face your daily struggles, and your abilities to succeed.”
“The way your parents felt when you were accepted – well that’s how we felt when we were given your name.”
“I met Mama Gemma 20 years ago, at my first Rotary conference and she was one of the guest speakers. There were over 1,000 Rotarians in attendance. There she stood, this one young girl, and she spoke from her heart. She had no money to build a school, faced many hurdles, but did she ever give up? No, she held her head high and look where we are today,” Monica shared.
Where we are today was unprecedented when The School of St Jude opened in 2002.
We are educating 1,800 students, with a cohort of 395 graduates, and hundreds of alumni who have already given back through participation in the Beyond St Jude’s Community Service Year, teaching 30,000 students in Tanzanian government schools.
Our achievements so far are a testament to the combined effort of thousands of people worldwide, who take our students’ hands and lead them through the gateway to a bright future.
What are you waiting for? Give us a hand and in turn, you’ll give young Tanzanians a chance to succeed. Donate or sponsor today.
