When Gemma Sisia set out on her mission to open a free school for disadvantaged children in Tanzania more than 25 years ago she had no understanding of the impact she would have on thousands of families.
Neither did she comprehend the myriad challenges she would face along the way nor the levels of support she would receive as she began to establish the School of St Jude.
“I was young; when you’re under 25 it’s a wonderful period in your life where you think you’re infallible and you know it all, but in actual fact you have no idea,” Mrs Sisia laughed.
“People thought I was crazy, and I probably was, but that’s the blissful ignorance of youth… we just started small and kept putting one foot in front of the other, just kept going forward.”
More than 20 years after opening its doors to just three children, St Jude’s now delivers free education to 1800 students over three campuses and supports 400 former students with their tertiary education.
St Jude’s alumnus John Stanley will join Mrs Sisia this month in Ocean Grove at a free special event organised by the Rotary Club of Ocean Grove.
Mrs Sisia will relate the story of the school and her visions for its future, while Mr Stanley will share the impact St Jude’s has had on his life and future prospects.
Gemma Sisia and John Stanley will be at Ocean Grove Bowls Club between 6pm and 8pm on Sunday, February 23. The event is free and booking is not required. Visit www.rotaryoceangrove.org.au/breaking-news for more information.
Matt Hewson
