Before the School of St. Jude opened in 2002, children in this area would either go to one of the local Government schools, or if this was not possible, they would not be able to attend school at all.

The advantages of The School of St. Jude are numerous.

Smaller class sizes: Around 25 students per class rather than over 50 students in a typical class in Tanzania.

Sponsored children attend the school completely free:In other schools, children and their families must purchase school uniforms and school supplies.

A library that houses over 12,000 books and a teacher resource room: Most schools have no other teaching resources other than chalk and a rare textbook.

Our students are fed twice a day: Including one nutritious meal that varies each day, as well as drinking water available in each classroom. Students at a typical school are not given any food and drinking water is scarce.

Positive reinforcement is encouraged: At the School of St. Jude corporal punishment is prohibited.

Creativity and critical thinking are nurtured: In our students and staff.

A full time nurse is employed at the school: Medical help is rarely given in other schools.

All of our teachers are extremely well qualified: Well compensated and supported in their pursuit of continuing professional development. Many teachers at other schools are not well qualified and are underpaid.

A growing fleet of colorful school buses: That bring the children to school. At most other schools, children must walk to school.

Children have individual access to computers: And to the internet in one of our three computer labs.

Classrooms are well maintained and cleaned daily.

An extensive tutoring program: Exists at our school.

We are an English Medium School: This means our students will be fluent in English and this will help them obtain much better jobs when they enter the workforce.

Our goal is for every student to finish primary and secondary school: Many students at other schools fail government exams and end up leaving school at the primary level to work at ill-paid jobs, if any at all.