St Jude's

by Gemma Sisia

St Jude's is the remarkable story of an Australian girl from the bush who's busy transforming the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of African children. Her name is Gemma Sisia, and she runs a school in Tanzania called The School of St Jude. Gemma's idea is simple. Her school is for the very poorest kids, the ones whose families can't afford the clothes or books or even pencils to send their children to the supposedly "free" government schools. These are the children of illiterate parents, whose destiny is to remain trapped in a cycle of poor education, illiteracy and poverty. Her slogan is "fighting poverty through education". Gemma started St Jude's (named after the patron saint of hopeless causes) in 2002 with an 18-year-old volunteer teacher from Sydney, three kids and her own boundless energy. From those humble beginnings, the school now has over 850 students, and one of the best academic records in the country. There are plans for a second campus, and a long term aim of reproducing the hugely successful formula across Tanzania and East Africa. St Jude's is an astonishing success for kids who would otherwise have no hope and no future. This is a truly amazing story about how the determination of one person can help change the world. (less)

Genres: Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2007

Reviews

[Jennifer Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring read. Amazing what one person can achieve in such a short time to make a difference in the world.

[Carys RD · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a bad book, and in many ways truly inspiring. The work Gemma Sisia has done is so admirable and definitely interesting to read about. To have set up an ever expanding school in one of the worlds poorest countries is no mean feat and the anecdotes littered throughout are entertaining.

However, at times it seemed a little religion heavy. The sentiment was lovely but to believe St Jude has popped up so many times and helped in scenarios where she was bordering on desperation seemed a little unlikely to me. She also relies so heavily on St Jude and yet never actually did anything in the school to celebrate the saint which didn’t seem right but perhaps I just can’t relate.

I also found the section where her mum believed the school was cursed because a priest had said the school was built on gravestones a bit peculiar. Again, maybe it’s just something I don’t understand or find relatable.

The final part I was unsure of was her anecdote about riding a camel in a race. The way she recounts that she hit the animal repeatedly as it was being disobedient seemed cruel and to then find out the camel gave birth was actually really distressing I thought. To Gemma, she writes as if it’s a funny story and so casually explains that the baby dies a few months later. Maybe this for me off to a bad start but overall it is amazing what she has achieved and how much she’s has helped those who have so little.

[Nathasjja Takanashi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finished all my work early today and had nothing left to do, so read this in one sitting. Coming across St Jude’s at a thrift store is serendipitous. As someone who believes in education as the key to breaking cycles of poverty and bridging class divides, this book was both informative and affirming. Gemma Sisia’s journey in establishing a free school for underprivileged children in Tanzania is a testament to the power of determination, community, and the belief that change is possible

What stood out most was the raw honesty, both the triumphs and the inevitable struggles of idealism. Her story is not just about charity but about building sustainable systems, learning from failures, and recognizing that no great change happens alone. It takes a village, a network of passionate individuals working together to create something that lasts. It's also a reminder that while good intentions spark action, it’s perseverance, adaptability, and collective effort that turn idealism into lasting impact

[Katie Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I fully admit that I only bought it to support the charity and did not expect it to be a great read. Surely it felt a bit much for this powerhouse of a woman to also be a great writer but she is. (So unfair how some people can just do everything!🙂).The book is a great tale and her writing really allows her voice and character to shine through. You will grow to love Gemma and Richard as well as all the other characters who weave their way into the story. At times it is also laugh out loud funny The book will really resonate with anyone who has spent time in Africa ( or grown up in a big rural family!)

[Suzana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a warm, chatty, kind and engaging story. It's really well written and re-told in an easy catch-up-with-a-friend-for-coffee style. It seems there are strong religious principles and values throughout the book, but it's not 'preachy'. She told a wonderful story about perseverance and keeping it simple. Keep the idea simple, keep the conversation simple, don't get bogged down and distracted. She's very kind to the memory of her father and also to her siblings, her mother ... I'm not sure!

[Loretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading how Gemma Sisia created the School of St Jude. I’ve been on the board of an organization to raise funds for that school. What a success story! In addition to building this school and its amazing growth, it was interesting to hear more about the African culture.

[Yvonne T · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has had an incredible impact on me. If you are interested in Africa, in what one person is able to achieve, in what anyone can achieve, it is very inspiring. The book is now quite dated and there is a sequel and more information by means a website, podcasts and instagram.

[Lysle Barmby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. I was so lucky to get the opportunity to visit St Jude's after hiking Mount Kilamanjaro. It was a 'Rotary Moment' for me. Thankyou Gemma Sisia! You are an inspiration.

[Aleisha Keating · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring and enjoyable insight into Gemma Sisia's life and mission to set up a school to educate children living in poverty in Tanzania.

[Mary Monks · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely fascinating and inspirational story of how and Aussie woman from a small town in NSW set up a school in Tanzania.
What an amazing achievement.

[Francesca Suters · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a word: inspiring.

There is so much goodness and hope in the world.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an inspiration. An amazing girl who became a woman to make a difference. The book gave a background to Gemma's strong family foundations onto constantly overcoming obstacles to make her dream come true and do something amazing helping the Tanzanian community and offering hope and inspiration plus the tools for these children to have a career.

I recommend this book to both teenagers and adults. It's an easy but aspirational read.

[Jake Mcintyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

St Jude's is an amazing story about an australian lady (Gemma Sisia) who build's a school in Tanzania mainly from Australian donations. From 3 little students, Said, Leon and Sia in 2002 to over 700 students in 2010. I loved this book because my family went on a hoiladay to Tanzania and went to this school.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an inspiration! If only a fraction of the worlds well to do people gave the time, money, interest and effort into this sort of Health Promotion and Education, then we'd win the war against poverty and create a grand domino effect and elevate crime, discrimination and prejudice in the world. Jeff Sacks would be proud.

[Chrissie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I howled during this book. This lady's background is similar to mine and I was amazed at what she accomplished in such a short time. To appreciate this book have at look at the St Jude's website...emotional stuff.

[C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a particularly well-written or well-edited book, but Sisia's ghost writer knows how to tell a decent story, and the inherent decentness of the story itself more than makes up for its other flaws.

[Jessie Persse · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy to read, enjoyable true story of Gemma Sisia. She married a Tanzanian man and set up the school of ST Jude's. Fantastic. (Plus a friend of mine used to work at the school as Gemma's assistant.)

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting ,hard working hard headed lady

[Frankie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Must read foe educators interested in what is happening in Africa with education. I am going to visit this summer and hope I can make a contribution in some small way.

[Kika · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just love reading about normal people who are motivated to do good. I love this lady.