The School of St Jude
The School of St Jude
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Come and visit the largest charity school in Africa. Founded by Gemma Sisia in 2002 with only 3 students, The School of St Jude now provides a free, high-quality education to more than 1,800 students, boarding to over 1,100 students and employs more than 280 Tanzanian staff. Students are selected based on their academic potential and genuine financial need, meaning they are amongst the brightest and most poverty-affected children in and around the Arusha region. Each year over 1000 visitors come and see firsthand the impact people from around the world have made through a school that’s changing the lives of its students, staff and their families. St Jude’s Visitors team can assist you with your own personal itinerary and ensure you get the most out of your visit, providing you with a real insight into Tanzanian life. They can organise a wide range of activities including cultural tours, home visits and comfortable accommodation for overnight guests. See it's success for yourself.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
106 reviews
Excellent
99
Very good
6
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BinRo67
Sydney, Australia14 contributions
Apr 2023
A MUST do in Arusha!

We just arrived back from our sixth, two week school immersion to The School of St Jude in Arusha, Tanzania and I can highly recommend any High School add this to their Immersion/Expedition experiences. This trip was once again a life changing experience for 17 teenage boys from Sydney. Absolutely Brilliant!!

The school look after everything! From school experiences, both at St Jude and Government school visits, Shanga (sheltered workshop for Tanzanians with disability), Samaritan orphanage, coffee plantation tour, Maasai markets, Maasai Boma visit, Safari (with the brilliant Safaris-R-Us), Cultural Heritage Museum, Khan’s BBQ, Masterchef style cooking lessons with students, sport with students at St Jude, home visits with the families of students at St Jude, school bus rides… etc… etc…

But it is the staff, students and Gemma Sisia, who really make this school an experience to remember. This place is something special. It is like a little slice of heaven on Earth. The people you meet and stories you hear will stay with you forever and will change you for the better.

A 17 year old student asked to speak to staff one night on Day 9. He let us know he had never been away from his parents for more than a night and was feeling very anxious prior to the trip about how he would cope being away for so long. He then broke into a broad grin saying he realised earlier that day he had barely even thought of home because he was having the most amazing time and said he has loved every single minute of his time at St Jude’s.

The accomodation is lovely and being located within gated school grounds, we always felt safe. Our boys were housed three to a room and staff were allocated a room each. Each room has an ensuite and comfortable bed. The food is phenomenal! Cooked breakfast each morning, including individually made scrambled eggs, delicious juices, bread and an assortment of accompaniments such as sausages, baked beans, taro etc. Dinner was always delicious and plentiful.

We are all passionate supporters of the brilliant work done by Gemma Sisia and the School of St Jude. Do yourself a favour and make sure to add this to your bucket list.
Written 26 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

dunmar9
Brisbane, Australia127 contributions
Jan 2023
I would like to reiterate the very positive comments of previous reviewers that staying at St Judes with our Rotary group was a memorable experience which I would highly recommend. To finally meet our sponsored student after 7 years' sponsorship was very moving and to be able to do a home visit to their family was great.
The accommodation at the school is comfortable and clean and the food was superb and plentiful. The visitors' kitchen is much appreciated for teas and coffees and the fridge for cool drinks.
Our itinerary was very busy and enjoyed by our whole group of 30 Rotarians, families and friends.
The students are inspiring and hopefully have a great future ahead of them with the support of the dedicated staff from all divisions at St Judes.
I would highly recommend a visit and preferably an overnight stay at St Judes.
Written 22 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Marcy M
3 contributions
Oct 2021
We stayed at the school for almost a week. Accommodations were so comfortable and clean, food was plentiful and good, hospitality outstanding. This school is doing remarkable things for high poverty students and making a huge difference in their lives as well as their communities, the country, and the world. Our Rotary Club is proud of supporting the school and sponsoring students there. Definitely an inspirational and rewarding experience!
Written 1 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

rkane11
New York City, NY5 contributions
Mar 2021
Anyone who visits Arusha should include this incredible and very moving experience. St. Jude's school and home for around 1800 young people is nothing short of a miracle, particularly in Tanzania. I was given excellant treatment suppot and help all
during the visit from my guide and everyone else I met along the way. I saw so much of every aspect of the school and offices of the support staff. I am particularly thankful to Sister Gemma, who spent a good amount of time with me, answering all my questions and inspiring me with her reports of her own history in making St. Jude become what it is now. I am quite thankful to have had this opportunity.
Written 13 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind review. We'd love to see you again at St Jude's!
Written 13 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Buchor K
Boston, MA1 contribution
Nov 2020
It is great to see children who are so excited about their education. I recommend visiting the school and sharing the dream of Eliminating Poverty Through Education.
Written 23 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sarena7575
Kansas City, MO64 contributions
Nov 2020
We had a wonderful time visiting the School of St. Jude. We were able to eat porridge with the students and participate in art and PE class. Playing in PE class with the kids was super fun! The children were very competitive and we had a blast. One of the students drew an incredible portrait of my husband in art class. He should be really proud! The school is able to provide free education to underprivileged students and it was wonderful to see how the program works. The children were all very polite and friendly. We couldn't have asked for a better visit! You should definitely visit if you are near Arusha, Tanzania.
Written 15 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rajrib H
Toronto, Canada5 contributions
Oct 2020
Take the time to go and see this wonderful school for the poor. Started by an Australian woman Gemma Sisia this has to be one of the success stories in Tanzanian education. They love visitors not to solicit money from you ( yes you can sponsor students,we do) but for you to spread the word. I guarantee you will leave with lasting impressions.
Written 31 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DHewes
Singapore, Singapore12 contributions
Jan 2020
We had the chance to visit the new Girls Secondary School - WOW! And the chance to meet the new St Jude Alumni Teacher Mr BABA!! Congrat St Jude for this awesome initiative
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Chris R
Brisbane, Australia31 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
I have been taking trips to climb Kilimanjaro for 10 years and an integral part of our itinerary is spending time at St Jude’s. If you are looking for inspiration and how to execute a vision go no further. By staying at the school you can support what Gemma and her team are doing. Make sure you organise a family trip to visit a students house - a humbling experience. Also don’t forget to visit the Waterhole.
Written 31 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Chantal T
2 contributions
Jun 2019
I spent a week at the School of St Jude in Tanzania I have been extremely impressed with the efficiency with which our donated money is being spent and used to gain maximum benefit for the children. In particular, for their families and for the Arusha community in general. We have seen how every dollar spent on the child has a flow on effect to their family and the local community which provide food, and employ bus drivers, tailors for their uniforms, gardeners, cleaners, cooks, raw materials and much much more. Well done Gemma and your team...
Written 20 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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