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August 24, 2015

Our graduates spread the St Jude's impact

Form 6 graduates are making a difference volunteering at government schools.

Our amazing Form 6 graduates only finished school in May but they are already making a massive difference in their local communities.

St Jude's first ever graduating class is tackling the problems in Tanzania's education system head on by volunteering as teachers at severely under-resourced government schools.

Our photographers recently joined the Beyond St Jude's team as they traveled to the schools participating in the program.

Learning experience: Justin is teaching maths at his local high school. "The materials are not enough," he said.
Learning experience: Justin is teaching maths at his local high school. "The materials are not enough," he said.

They were moved by the level of appreciation shown by the students and teachers being helped by our graduates.

鈥淭he two (graduates) from St Jude鈥檚 should be your model,鈥� the principal of Baraza Secondary School told his staff and students.

鈥淭hey joined St Jude鈥檚 from government schools like ours here. Because of their total dedication in fulfilling their dreams they are here today rendering this noble service to our school."

Changing perspective: Teaching history at her local high school, Violet discovered "that I could actually learn from students. I thought a teacher knows everything".
Changing perspective: Teaching history at her local high school, Violet discovered "that I could actually learn from students. I thought a teacher knows everything".

The work has also helped our graduates, who are regularly teaching classes of more than 40 students while dealing with a lack of resources.

鈥淭o teach students is not easy work," said Alfani, who has been volunteering at Moshono Secondary School. 鈥淵ou need to be committed and hard-working and be co-operative with teachers and students."

Big job: Esther is teaching up to 90 students in one of her classes. "Some of the students... cannot even write their own names," she said.
Big job: Esther is teaching up to 90 students in one of her classes. "Some of the students... cannot even write their own names," she said.

The aim is to improve education in Tanzania, where less than 2.4% of people graduate high school and overcrowded classrooms have an average of 46 students per teacher.

"I have realised why many students in Tanzania fail so much," said Tumaini, who has been volunteering as a maths teacher at his local high school.

"Coming from a school like St Jude's, I did not anticipate this level of difficulty. The whole process of teaching in these government schools should change. St Jude鈥檚 is an example to be followed as far as educating a child goes.鈥�

Hard work: Teaching commerce at his local high school has been an eye-opening experience for Alfani. "To teach students is not easy work," he said. "You need to be committed and hard-working and be co-operative with teachers and students."
Hard work: Teaching commerce at his local high school has been an eye-opening experience for Alfani. "To teach students is not easy work," he said. "You need to be committed and hard-working and be co-operative with teachers and students."

St Jude鈥檚 encourages students to give back to their communities and volunteering at government schools gives them an understanding of the issues facing Tanzania.

鈥淭here is a real need for change in government schools,鈥� said Joshua, who is teaching biology in classes with more than 60 students. 鈥淲hen you compare this school with St Jude鈥檚, they really need something extra.鈥�

Rewarding experience: Athumani has found that the students appreciate his work. "Someone who is very committed to his or her work influences the students," he said. "Even though the students may not say it directly 鈥� they do appreciate it."
Rewarding experience: Athumani has found that the students appreciate his work. "Someone who is very committed to his or her work influences the students," he said. "Even though the students may not say it directly 鈥� they do appreciate it."

The Community Service Year runs until next June, but the interns are already seeing the benefits.

鈥淭he act of giving back is so satisfying,鈥� said Amos, who has been teaching maths. 鈥淚 sleep every night with peace knowing someone鈥檚 future is possible because of me.鈥�

Feeling welcome: Students and teachers have made Judica feel welcome at her local high school. "Teachers here are very cooperative and the students are lovely especially the Form 2s (Grade 8s), who I have been teaching part-time in the absence of their teacher."
Feeling welcome: Students and teachers have made Judica feel welcome at her local high school. "Teachers here are very cooperative and the students are lovely especially the Form 2s (Grade 8s), who I have been teaching part-time in the absence of their teacher."

"This is a chance for the graduates to show their appreciation for the education they've received," said Angela Bailey, Beyond St Jude's manager.

"They are giving back to their communities, using the skills they have learnt from their free education."

Get the chance to find out firsthand about the Community Service Year when聽Form 6 graduate Dorice tours Australia with Gemma next March and April.

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