(Arusha, Tanzania – Monday, 23 September 2013) Like thousands of other Standard 7s across Tanzania, 168 primary school students from St Jude’s beamed with pride as they received their graduation certificates.
This past Saturday, over one thousand teachers, students, their families and visiting schools gathered to watch and celebrate the students completing their primary studies.
“This is a very special event and many of the parents are happy to see the students get their certificates. The students have been doing very well from the beginning of the year by doing different assessments in the Arusha region and also the national examination,” says Mr. Ramadhan, St Jude’s Curriculum Deputy, at St Jude’s Upper Primary campus.
It is a big milestone for the students who come from impoverished backgrounds and have studied hard while receiving a high quality, free education at St Jude’s. It is the fifth set of Standard 7 students to graduate from the school and many have gone on to excel academically during their secondary studies.
“I have enjoyed celebrating and moving to another level,” says Abrahamani, St Jude’s Standard 7 student. “I am achieving my goals and have worked hard for the past seven years.”
Parents of the St Jude’s students were especially proud as they value their children getting a good education which will enable them to break the cycle of poverty for their family.
“It is very good and we’re happy seeing our child finishing primary school today and graduating from Standard 7,” says Anande, Guardian of Elizabeth, a St Jude’s student.
Students did a variety of contemporary dances and musical performances as part of the celebration. St Jude’s academic leaders gave moving speeches about the importance of a good education.
“Even when you finish Form 6 at St Jude’s, your journey of learning must continue throughout your life,” says Mr. Ford, St Jude’s School Director. The first set of St Jude’s students will graduate from secondary school in 2015 and many have plans to go on to study medicine, engineering and business.
“I’m looking forward to secondary school where I can study maths and science and then I plan to become a lawyer, “ says Mariam, St Jude’s Standard 7 student. “I want to be a lawyer and help with democracy.”
Representatives from St Monica’s, Hope English Medium School and the head of Wema Primary School attended the graduation. While, students from D’alzon Girls Secondary School performed a song on the day.
Distinguished guests at the event included Mr. Eugene Shirima, the Regional Educational Officer (REO) of Arusha.
About The School of St Jude
The School of St Jude is a charity funded school that provides a free, high-quality primary and secondary education to over 1,650 of the poorest, brightest children of Arusha region, Tanzania, East Africa. The school, located across three campuses, also provides boarding for 1,100 students, and employs over 450 Tanzanians. It was founded by Australian Gemma Sisia in 2002.
