Rotary helps fight poverty through education

THE Wonthaggi Golf Club hosted the Australian Tour of St Jude’s Founder and Director Gemma Sisia on Saturday morning to shine recognition on the charitable organisation that provides free education to Tanzanian children living in poverty. 

The breakfast was supported by Rotary Club Wonthaggi, who generously donated all proceeds of the day, plus an additional $1000 to The School of St Jude’s. 

The event’s master of ceremony was Deputy Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead who was invited to hear the story of how quality education helps Tanzanian students achieve success.

Rotarians of Wonthaggi and Leongatha Rotary were in attendance, as well as board members of the St Jude’s charity. 

Anne Burke of ‘Anne Burke Consultancy’ organised the Australian Tour to include the regional towns of Bass Coast and South Gippsland to raise awareness of the school’s 100% reliance on sponsorship and donations. 

Gemma Sisia opened the event and shared her inspiring story; telling of when The School of St Jude’s began and how communities can help with the operation of opening a world of possibilities for these children living in poverty. 

“Currently we have 1800 students across three schools, one primary and two secondary schools. Our primary school has the capacity for 700-day students and our girls’ secondary school has capacity for 600 borders. The girls attend until year 10, before they then move across to another secondary school for co-ed in year 11 and 12, that has the capacity for 1000 borders.

“Over the last 20 years St Jude’s has become a pioneering leader in charitable education in Africa. To have a private school that is free of charge is very unusual - whether you’re a boy or a girl, it doesn’t matter what tribe you are, or what religion you are, as long as you pass the criteria to get a scholarship.” 

To gain a scholarship at St Jude’s, students must come from a government school, pass an entrance exam, and pass a poverty test – where Gemma and the St Jude’s staff are visiting the child’s home to see if they are living in poverty, e.g., living without running water etc. 

Volunteer treasurer for St Jude’s charity Dave Collins confirmed that the school benefits from 98 cents of every dollar donated to St Jude’s. 

In 1998, Gemma was gifted two acres of land to start St Jude’s, and in 2000 Rotary volunteers arrived to build the first classroom block, before welcoming the first three students to their first day in 2002. 

“There are 19,000 primary schools in Africa, compared to 800 high schools, therefore 93% of people don’t have a secondary education and at St Jude’s we are providing free private education through scholarship.” 

Earliest alumni of St Jude’s, Enock joined Gemma on her Australian Tour alongside staff member and author of ‘The School that Hope Built’ Madeleine Kelly – where they both shared their individual stories. 

Enock shared his gratitude for the Australian sponsors who provide the free education to those who would have otherwise been raised living in poverty without the chance to achieve success through university. 

When sponsoring a child, there is the opportunity to sponsor their primary, secondary, community service program (a gap year where graduates give back to their community), and tertiary studies. 

Enock was sponsored to receive an allowance to complete his tertiary studies in New York after being offered a full four-year scholarship at the University of Rochester. Enock then returned to St

Jude’s in Tanzania after graduation and was offered a position in their alumni program. 

Madeleine works alongside Gemma and Enock helping students achieve success through their opportunities at The School of St Jude’s. Joining the school as a writer and part of their marketing program on a two-year contract, Madeleine chose to make Tanzanian home and continue her employment with St Jude’s. 

Writing a book about her experience, Madeleine hopes to raise awareness of the charity to see many more successors graduate from St Jude’s, and help young people fight poverty through education. 

For more information on how to donate or sponsor a scholarship visit www.schoolofstjude.org