From a young age, Zacharia aspired to work hard so that one day, he could support his mother and siblings. He put a lot of effort into his studies and greatly improved his academic performance until he became one of the top students in class. His hard work eventually paid off and Zacharia was invited to apply for a scholarship at St Jude鈥檚.聽
鈥淎nd the rest was history,鈥� says Zacharia with a smile. 鈥淪t Jude鈥檚 was like no other school I had seen before. I immediately knew this place would have a lasting impact on me,鈥� he adds.
Zacharia completed his primary school education at a government school and joined St Jude鈥檚 for secondary school. Coming from a government school, he was initially fascinated by the resources and opportunities available at St Jude鈥檚. Zacharia continued his hardworking spirit at St Jude鈥檚 where he spent the next six years. In his free time, he tried his hand at different sports and extracurricular activities.
鈥淚 have plenty of good memories from my time at St Jude,鈥� says Zacharia. 鈥淪ome of my best experiences were serving as the Entertainment Prefect and participating in career and science fairs,鈥� he adds enthusiastically.
After six years at St Jude鈥檚, Zacharia graduated Form 6 with St Jude鈥檚 inaugural class of 2015.
In Tanzania, secondary school education is divided into two levels: the first four years are called Ordinary Level (O Level) studies; from Form 1 to Form 4, and the final two years of Advanced Level (A Level) studies; Form 5 and 6. According to a 2017 UNESCO report, only 12% of students who start secondary school in Form 1 complete Form 4, with poverty being one of the main factors for the high dropouts. At St Jude鈥檚, on the other hand, 100% of students who start secondary school in Form 1 complete Form 4, and 100% of the students that choose to continue onto A Level complete Form 6.聽
鈥淕raduating Form 6 was a proud moment for me and my family,鈥� reflects Zacharia. 鈥淚n addition to my academic qualification, I have acquired valuable connections, practical skills and knowledge that are useful to this day,鈥� he adds.
Zacharia was one of the first students to join the Beyond St Jude鈥檚 Scholarship Program (BSJSP) for Form 6 students. As part of the BSJSP, graduates participate in a year of community service, volunteering to teach at understaffed government schools or at various non-teaching placements within St Jude鈥檚. Those who successfully complete their community service placement are then eligible to receive a Tertiary scholarship to pursue their first higher education qualification; enabling them to become the future professionals that their country needs.
鈥淚 spent the next year after my graduation volunteering at one of the public schools in Arusha,鈥� shares Zacharia. 鈥淚t was a fulfilling experience that enabled me to share the skills and experience that I acquired at St Jude鈥檚,鈥� he adds passionately.
Zacharia now holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in building economics from one of Tanzania鈥檚 top universities. He is also an aspiring entrepreneur who is currently building his real estate business. Zacharia has fulfilled his lifelong dream of supporting his family: he has renovated his home, pays for his siblings鈥� tuition fees, and routinely supports his mother financially. He is living proof of our alumni fighting poverty through education.
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Great story particularly of Zacharia participating in the community service project and supporting his mother and helping his siblings with their school fees.
It's an amazing full-circle story and demonstrates the ripple effect of the power of education. Thanks Paul!