About Us

The School of St Jude was founded by Gemma Sisia, an Australian-born woman who started building her dream with a modest donation of just $10. Since 1998, the majority of all St Jude’s funding has been contributed by generous Australians who shared Gemma’s vision and supported her challenge to fight poverty through funding free, quality education to the poorest, brightest children in Tanzania. From just three students in 2002, today The School of St Jude educates 1,800 students at one primary and two secondary schools and is regarded internationally as a leader in fighting poverty through education. But St Jude’s global success had not been without its challenges. The challenge to raise funds and build St Jude’s first classrooms. The challenge to purchase books and learning materials. The challenge to feed and clothe hundreds of students. The challenges of employing skilled staff and buying busses to transport students safely to and from school. The challenge to build more classrooms, libraries, sporting and boarding facilities; and, the day-to-day challenge of managing St Jude’s continued growth - but the greatest challenge of all is to find the funds needed to continue St Jude’s life-changing work.