The Millennium Development Goals in Action: Part II
We hear much about the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) but just exactly what are they and what are some real life examples?
Our eight part series, The MDGs in Action, looks at real life examples of each goal and the people working to achieve them.
MDG Goal 2: Universal Primary Education
A Programme In Action: The School of St Jude (Tanzania): Fighting Poverty Through Education
Your Action: Send an e-card, sponsor a child, 'Like' on Facebook or Tweet.
Your Action: Send an e-card, sponsor a child, 'Like' on Facebook or Tweet.
Vision Statement
Educating the Future Leaders of Tanzania
Mission Statement
The School of St Jude is an independent sponsorship-supported school that provides education for Tanzanian children from the lowest socio-economic backgrounds. The school demonstrates leadership, promotes critical thinking and expects high moral values from its students, staff and the school community.
Background
In 2002 a young lady, Gemma Rice (now Gemma Sisia), from a sheep farm in Australia, opened a small school in Northern Tanzania with the help of her family, friends and local Rotary Club. What started with only a handful of children and one teacher is now in 2009 a thriving school of almost 1300 children and 350 staff. In January 2008 another free primary school with an initial enrollment of over 550 children opened. These schools really have the potential to influence the quality of Tanzania's future leaders.
Over 90% of the children at the school receive a totally free education as local and international sponsors individually cover the costs of not only the educational fees but also the uniform, stationery, transport, hot meal, snacks and drinks of each child. What makes this school even more special is the fact that this success comes about due to the group effort of thousands of ordinary people from all over the world coming together to do something quite extraordinary. Individuals, families, schools, church groups and service clubs are joining forces by supporting the school's various sponsorship programs.
Every day staff and students work hard to fulfil the school's philosophy of "Fighting Poverty through Education" helping our students break the cycle of poverty that has gripped their families for generations. If this is what such a team effort can achieve in 7 short years, then imagine what could be achieved in ten years!
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