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鈥淟et me start by congratulating the 2022 graduates鈥擶ell done! Indeed, your hard work has culminated in this momentous occasion,鈥� says Bibiana, iNGO Chairperson, during the Beyond St Jude鈥檚 (BSJ) Recognition Ceremony.

This morning, St Jude鈥檚 alumni are converging on their old school, some seeing each other for the first time in years, for the inaugural BSJ Recognition Ceremony. Today, all St Jude鈥檚 alumni graduating with a diploma or degree in 2022 will be recognised in heartfelt St Jude鈥檚 celebration.

St Jude鈥檚 alumni are scattered across the country, and indeed, the world. Some attend university with the support of a scholarship from Beyond St Jude鈥檚 Scholarship Program (BSJSP), while others win external scholarships to support their tertiary education. 

When BSJSP scholars began to graduate from tertiary studies in 2019, just a few representatives from the school could travel the country to attend ceremonies. This new ceremony is first of many to be hosted at St Jude鈥檚, allowing parents, staff and visitors alike to share in this special day.

鈥淭he graduation ceremony remains one of the most memorable events in anybody鈥檚 life. In a way, it validates the long journey of academic and social preparations that you鈥檝e been on,鈥� says Bibiana proudly.

Feeling grateful and happy, Benjamin, a graduate with a bachelor degree in electrical engineering, believes he鈥檚 now one step closer to reaching his goals. 

鈥淎 decade or more ago, each one of us walked through the gates of St Jude鈥檚, some of us were not sure of what we wanted to be in the future, others were sure from the get go. We have come a long way,鈥� says Benjamin while addressing the audience during the event.

鈥淲e must not forget that we have the responsibility to use what we have to better our communities and help create more future leaders of Tanzania,鈥� he says.

鈥淭o our generous supporters, we thank you for your incredible support towards our education. You have taught us a very important lesson about giving back and for that we stand proud and walk tall knowing that you made a difference in our communities and now the onus is on us to pay this forward. Thank you for lighting our way!鈥� he adds.

Graduates this year include those in the fields of health sciences, engineering, education, and business. 

These graduates are the fourth cohort of St Jude鈥檚 alumni to graduate from tertiary studies, bringing the total number to more than 350. With degrees and diplomas, they are now ready to begin impactful careers, fighting poverty in Tanzania.