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Stationed at the entrance gate to St Jude鈥檚 Sisia Campus in Moshono is Israel, a security guard of 15 years. Israel鈥檚 contagious smile and friendly personality is the first impression that staff, students, and visitors get as they arrive at the school. 

鈥淚 love my job,鈥� says Israel. 鈥淚t is what I have always wanted to do,鈥� he adds with a smile. 

St Jude鈥檚 security guards keep the school property, staff and students safe at all hours. In addition to this, they鈥檙e the first people visitors meet when they come to St Jude鈥檚.

Israel鈥檚 journey to becoming a security officer started in the early 1990s, when he opted to join a civic security training program. There he learnt basic combat training and other skills such as team work and self-discipline. 

鈥淏y the time I completed my training, I knew I was going to be working as a security guard,鈥� recalls Israel. 鈥淏ut I never thought I would have such a fulfilling and rewarding career ahead of me at St Jude鈥檚,鈥� he adds.

In Tanzania, uniformed guards are referred to by their Kiswahili name, askari. Traditionally, askaris are known for their serious character, but Israel has gained some perspective after working at St Jude鈥檚.

鈥淎s a security officer, I thought I had to be serious all the time,鈥� says Israel. 鈥淏ut at St Jude鈥檚, I realised that I could smile and enjoy my time even when I鈥檓 on duty,鈥� he adds with a smile.

St Jude鈥檚 impact on Israel鈥檚 life doesn鈥檛 just stop there. Working at St Jude鈥檚 has enabled him to build a house for his family, take his six children to school and university, and explore his passion in agriculture. 

鈥淢y journey with St Jude鈥檚 has been one improvement after another,鈥� reflects Israel. 鈥淚t is incredible,鈥� he adds. 

Along with Israel is Melami, St Jude鈥檚 security officer of five years. For Melami, coming to work is something he looks forward to.

鈥淚 love interacting with people,鈥� says Melami. 鈥淎s a security guard, I have the privilege of meeting different people every day so it鈥檚 very fulfilling,鈥� adds Melami with a smile.

Melami has a long working history with St Jude鈥檚. Prior to working as a security officer, Melami served as a cook for nine months and later worked in the library for five years. These roles equipped Melami with skills that he now applies to his current position. 

鈥淲orking at St Jude鈥檚 has improved my English and communication skills greatly,鈥� says Melami. 鈥淚 can now speak confidently with a vast variety of people from all over the world,鈥� he proudly adds. 

As the first contact of for all visitors to St Jude鈥檚, Israel鈥檚 gentle smile and Melami鈥檚 charm serve as the perfect introduction to the school鈥檚 values and way of life.