Gemma Sisia has earned a global reputation through building one of the top performing schools in Tanzania, East Africa. And she built it, literally, from scratch. Well, that’s not quite true - a friend had donated $10 to the cause. Can you imagine the challenges?

All this is a long way from the sheep farm she grew up on in northern New South Wales, Australia, where education, hard work as well as plenty of fun, were considered essential. 

After gaining her tertiary qualifications, like a lot of people, she set off to Africa and also like most people, she fell in love with the place. Her greatest desire was to try and do something to help the poor. But unlike most people, actually, let’s face it, unlike nearly all people, she did do something to help the poor. And twenty years later, she’s still helping them. 

Gemma's work continues to leave such an indelible mark that, in 2007 she was honoured with an Order of Australia Medal, her story has featured not once, but twice on ABC TV’s Australia Story as well as 60 Minutes. 

The School of St Jude, in Tanzania, provides a free, high-quality education to nearly 2000 of the poorest and brightest students in that region. And it’s not just the children that benefit. St Jude puts back around $7M US into the local economy supporting builders, farmers, mechanics, teachers, school staff etc. The school is celebrating its 20th year this year….and its first group of doctors that have now graduated from university (one with the University Medal) all of whom started with St Jude when it first opened its doors.

90% of it is really really hard work. But she wouldn’t change a thing. And a lot of people are very grateful for that.

Head to their website www.schoolofstjude.org to see how you may be able to help this remarkable woman. 

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