What a bang 2008 started out with!

Six weeks ago we opened the second primary school on that beautiful piece of land 20 kilometers outside Arusha that we told you about 18 months ago. Thanks to so many of you ‘purchasing your plots’, the land appeal was a great success and now you all should be so proud of your new campus! 

Running two schools has been an exciting challenge what with almost 1000 students and 130 teaching staff, not to mention all the new cooks, cleaners, drivers, security guards, groundsmen and fundis! 

I know many of you have been waiting to hear the results of the 2007 Std 4 exams … well, we can very proudly say that they ALL passed with flying colours! This year almost 150 students sat the exam (there were 27 in our first Std 4!) and 78% of the students (well over 100!) achieved 100% in at least one or more exam papers! And if they didn’t get 100% then certainly for the English paper they were only a few marks off – incredible for students who only a few years ago spoken not a word of English! 

Check out my January 2008 newsletter to enjoy over 30 photographs and all the latest news! 

HELP!!

1. We are in desperate need of a passionate teacher librarian to help set up the library at Usa river campus – check out the photographs in the newsletter.
2. We also need a good handyman/builder to oversee the maintenance and building at the three school sites – Moshono school, Moshono boarding, Usa River
3. With the opening of the new school and boarding houses we have had to employ over 70 new teachers this year. Please help spread the word that we are wanting sponsors for teachers (or teacher/student packages). We would be so grateful as you can imagine the huge increase in our salaries bill!
4. Two places have become available on our July tour. If you want to visit the school and explore our exotic environs then get in quickly and email me!

It’s thanks to all of you that I can report so positively and continue the success story of The SCHOOLS of St Jude!

Here’s to a great 2008 for all of us! 

Gemma 

Gemma Sisia (Director)
The School of St Jude
Fighting Poverty through Education

Email:          schoolofstjude@habari.co.tz
Website:      www.schoolofstjude.co.tz

Address:
PO Box 11875, Arusha
Tanzania, East Africa
Phone: 255-754-566136