The Rotary motto "Service Above Self" inspires over a million members of Rotary International (RI) worldwide to participate in, or financially support Rotary projects in their own community and around the world.   It is not surprising that, with this link of common beliefs and ideals, Gemma and The School of St Jude have been officially recognised by The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. Gemma’s selfless dedication and hard work was recognised when she was awarded the high honour of becoming a Paul Harris Fellow – “in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world”.

The School of St Jude was officially recognised when it was registered as a Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) project (No: 37/2000). This is the Australian equivalent of the American Rotary’s Fourth Avenue In Motion (FAIM) program.

A WORKING HOLIDAY AT ST JUDES WITH A ROTARY (RAWCS) TEAM
Various Rotary Clubs around Australia and from the USA have visited the school and lent a hand where necessary. With enthusiastic effort, a variety of skills, and a lot of laughs, the school has had buildings erected, classrooms painted and playground equipment constructed. Many a student have also benefited from having some personal one-on-one time with a Rotarian who was willing to listen to them, read a book or say their 4 times tables. Even the gargantuan undertaking of sorting through the thousands of cartons containing reference, non-fiction, adult fiction and children’s books, teaching aids, donated household goods, school equipment and clothes etc, has been tackled by these hard working folk.

Belvoir Rotary Club Visit 2008

Balwyn Rotary Club Visit 2008

These work and travel experiences are shared by Rotarians, whose backgrounds and professions are as diverse as their skills – school students and farmers work alongside bank managers and full-time mums.   If you are interested in gathering together your own RAWCS team to come to Tanzania, please contact us at schoolofstjude@habari.co.tz.  

Hyde Park Rotary Club Visit 2007

However, it’s not all sweating and slogging away at tough tasks. Most RAWCS teams work for a couple of weeks on the various projects and then enjoy a safari to some of the famous National Parks in the area where they can watch a lion with its kill, be thrilled by the close proximity of an elephant and marvel at the grace of the Tanzanian national emblem, the giraffe. To wash off the dust it’s then across to the exotic island of Zanzibar for a swim in the opalescent waters of the Indian Ocean.

Updated: 09/06/09