One of the most coveted opportunities at St Jude鈥檚 is a chance to serve in the school government. Every year, students across St Jude鈥檚 three campuses contest for a spot in one of the many leadership roles within the student government.
鈥淵ou need to be influential to stand a chance to win,鈥� says Long'ida, the newly elected Student Government Chairperson at St Jude鈥檚 Secondary School. 鈥淭his means developing a relatable personal brand among your schoolmates and having strong interpersonal and people skills to earn their trust,鈥� he adds.
Long鈥檌da joined St Jude鈥檚 12 years ago as a Standard 1 student. He had never imagined that he would rise to become the chairperson of the student government one day. In spite of his calm and composed personality, he demonstrated strong personal values and leadership skills that gradually caught the attention of his peers and teachers.
鈥淚 was appointed as a Table Leader a few years ago,鈥� recalls Long鈥檌da. 鈥淎t the outset, it looked like a fairly easy task but it鈥檚 amazing how simple responsibilities shape you as a person. Through this role, I learned invaluable lessons of patience, empathy, management, and even conflict resolution,鈥� he adds.聽
This experience opened new opportunities for him within the school. He has since served as a Level Coordinator, a Dormitory Leader, and ultimately the Student Government Chairperson, the highest position in the student government.
Along with Long鈥檌da is Vivian, St Jude鈥檚 Student Vice Government Chairperson. Unlike Long鈥檌da, Vivian discovered her flair for leadership at an early stage and has held various positions since joining St Jude鈥檚 11 years ago.
鈥淚 think being a leader makes you understand yourself better,鈥� reflects Vivian. 鈥淢y perspective and attitude have improved over the years of my leadership experience. For instance, I no longer see problems as challenges anymore but opportunities for growth,鈥� says Vivian.
In addition to the personal growth she gained through leadership, Vivian has also benefited from St Jude鈥檚 extensive resources and support. Regular training sessions and access to a wealth of resources, such as the school library and computer rooms, contribute significantly to students' development as leaders.
In spite of her responsibilities, Vivian is charming and outgoing. She enjoys playing netball and decorating. In her free time, she practises poetry and reads inspirational books at the school library.
聽鈥淚 approach life one step at a time,鈥� says Vivian. 鈥淢y dream is to use all the experience and skills that I have to help my country and community,鈥� she adds.
At St Jude鈥檚, the Student Government enables aspiring leaders to develop their skills and personal attributes. It instils the spirit of solidarity and cooperation on campus whilst nurturing the future leaders of Tanzania.聽
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