Completing university is a momentous achievement, but for many Tanzanian graduates, it's just the beginning of a new financial struggle. The cost of a tertiary education often necessitates student loans, saddling graduates with debt that can take eight to nine years to repay, with significant and immediate salary deductions ranging from 15% to 25%[1].

This financial burden puts immense pressure on graduates to find employment in a challenging job market. As a result, most of them enter the workforce with enormous stress and anxiety, affecting their career choices and life decisions down the line.

BSJSP graduates, on the other hand, have a different experience. As recipients of a BSJSP tertiary scholarship, they enter the workforce completely debt-free. This is in addition to years' worth of valuable skills developed in the Community Service program and knowledge through tailored mentorship and support from the Beyond St Jude’s teams. Consequently, they are better positioned to confidently pursue fulfilling careers, launch businesses, support their families, and give back to their communities.

"With free, quality education at St Jude's from primary school up to Advanced Level studies and a full Tertiary scholarship courtesy of BSJSP, I am able to complete my education debt-free. This allows me to dare and pursue my recycling business without worrying about loan repayments." – David, BSJSP Tertiary scholar (watch his story here).

 The Tanzanian Education System

There are three key stages of school in Tanzania: seven years of primary school from Standards 1 to 7, then four years of secondary school from Forms 1 to 4 in Ordinary Level (O Level) studies, and finally, the final two years of secondary school, Form 5 and 6 in Advanced Level (A Level) studies.

Students who successfully complete Form 6 are eligible to pursue higher education at university, but the financial burden can be significant. Securing a government loan becomes highly competitive due to budgetary constraints and a growing applicant pool. A recent study by the World Bank indicates a decline in government funding for higher education, even though the demand is expected to double by 2030[2].

The Beyond St Jude's Scholarship Program (BSJSP)

In 2015, St Jude's launched the BSJSP. This is an optional program for our secondary school graduates to help them start the next stage of their lives. The BSJSP is available after the completion of each stage to both Form 4 and Form 6 graduates.

Once accepted into the BSJSP, our students undertake Community Service placements, volunteering in understaffed government schools, or various placements throughout St Jude's.

This experience not only strengthens their skills but also equips them with valuable knowledge, preparing them for success in higher education pursuits. After successfully completing their volunteer placements, they go on to access higher education supported by St Jude's sponsors and donors. Since its launch in 2015, over 112,000 government secondary school students have benefitted from our Community Service volunteers teaching core subjects like science and math.

The BSJSP vs the Tanzanian Government's Higher Education Students' Loans Board (HESLB)

While both programs support tertiary students financially, the BSJSP offers significant advantages:

All these factors add up to give our Tertiary scholars a better start in life, setting them up for success in their future endeavours.

Fueling Change Through Freedom

The benefits of the BSJSP extend far beyond the individual graduates. Nearly 100% of BSJSP graduates are the first in their families to reach tertiary education. By entering the workforce debt-free, they have greater financial security to invest in their professional development or pursue entrepreneurial ventures.

Our survey shows a remarkable entrepreneurial spirit among BSJSP graduates. For every 10 of our graduates, one launches a business. Those who opt to enter the job market have an employment rate 10 times better than the national average, with many supporting their siblings' education and improving their families' living conditions.

Invest in the future of Tanzania. Support the Beyond St Jude's Scholarship Program and fuel the next generation of changemakers. Donate today to fuel change through freedom!

[1]   Tanzania’s Higher Education Students’ Loans Board

[2] World Bank Report (2021)

Every year, St Jude’s enrols hundreds of students from underprivileged families throughout Tanzania at primary and secondary school levels. All of our new students undergo a full health check to ensure they are healthy enough to make the most out of the free, quality education provided by the school. This is repeated annually throughout their time at school.

This annual health check not only identifies existing health issues among our students but also allows the school to tailor support for those with specific needs. This support may include medications, special dietary plans, or additional educational support to help students catch up when their health impacts their learning.

Studies have shown a clear link between good health and educational outcomes. A common problem such as worm infection, for example, can have a significant impact on a student’s cognitive function and physical development, ultimately hindering their ability to learn.[1]

Proper nutrition is also critical to a student's wellbeing and academic performance. It is a cost-effective investment, with studies indicating a US$9 return for every US$1 invested in school feeding programs.[2]

St Jude’s provides over 1 million hot meals yearly to its 1,800 students and more than 300 staff members. These meals were carefully planned to meet the nutritional requirements of growing children, including a variety of fruits and vegetables. Our students consistently report feeling energised and focused throughout the school day, leading to improved academic performance. This is consistent with data from the World Food Program, which indicates that school feeding programs can lead to a 3-4% increase in test scores.

Opportunity through Holistic Education

While it’s hard to overstate the impact of education on students, the results vary wildly. Because despite education being the primary indicator for personal success and economic growth[3], individuals often struggle to turn their knowledge into tangible benefits for themselves and their communities.

In Tanzania for instance, the chances of landing a job within the first year of graduating university is merely 5-8%. This reality calls for an intentional model that empowers students to fuel change either by making use of available opportunities or creating the opportunities themselves.

This is why a holistic approach to education is key to the St Jude’s model. It broadens our students’ horizons and provides them with the necessary skills that help them to better compete in the employment market or pave the way to their entrepreneurship journey.   

Consider Long’ida, a St Jude’s Form 5 student. Long’ida isn’t just pursuing academic studies. He is also a part of the agriculture club at school and leads a student-run initiative to grow vegetables on the school’s farm.

Annual school events such as the Science Day exhibitions further showcase the power of this approach. At the most recent Science Day, students showcased their ingenuity by developing a working bean sorter, an automatic stamping machine, and a clothes dryer. These projects not only demonstrate their technical skills but also cultivate a spirit of innovation and problem-solving that will benefit them throughout their lives.

As a result, our tertiary graduates are competitive in the Tanzanian job market. A growing number of St Jude’s alumni are also starting their businesses, fueling economic growth not just for their families but also for their communities through job creation. These exceptional results demonstrate the entrepreneurial spirit and self-reliance fostered by the school's holistic approach. 

[1] A 2013 case study by WHO in Kenya

[2] World Food Programme (2023)

[3] The World Bank

Education is the right of every child. Yet, there are still millions of school-aged children globally without access to education because of various barriers. In Tanzania, for example, the general population of adults aged 25 and above only averages 5.8 years of formal education.

Parents are expected to make significant contributions to aid their child's education. This includes food costs, security, examination fees, stationery, and sometimes even remedial classes. Students are expected to walk to and from school, spending more than an hour and a half every day, or parents pay additional transport or boarding fees.

 "I'm so grateful for St Jude's. She goes to school and stays in safe hands. The burden of childcare expense has been reduced." – Mamma Ruth (watch her story here)

Even when the challenge of school fees is managed, dropout rates remain high. This underscores the reality that access to education is a complex issue extending beyond just financial barriers, such as tuition.

St Jude's model for holistic education

St Jude's leads with a clearly defined theory of change that addresses key pain points in the 'student's educational journey. Whilst tuition fees are a significant barrier for many, other hidden costs create additional burdens for families. [GN5] Thanks to our wonderful supporters, St Jude's approach goes beyond simply removing one barrier; it addresses the entire educational experience.

A recent study estimated annual student expenses, excluding boarding fees, to be around US$140 - a significant burden for the 75% of Tanzania's population living below US$3.20 per day. This forces families to make difficult choices, often put in the position to sacrifice the education of their children for basic necessities.

With your help, St Jude's goes beyond simply offering free tuition. Together, we provide a comprehensive scholarship program that overcomes hidden barriers. It covers not only tuition, but also:

• Safe and reliable transportation: This eliminates the burden and risk of long commutes, ensuring students arrive at school ready to learn.

• School uniforms and essential learning materials: These are provided, removing financial stress and promoting a sense of community and belonging.

• Boarding accommodation and nutritious meals: St Jude's provides a safe and supportive environment, promoting well-being and focus on studies.

This approach to access is producing exceptional results. St Jude's maintains a 100% completion for its students with an impressive gender balance ratio.

Access through boarding and transportation

St Jude's provides boarding accommodation for 80% of its students. This includes a dedicated boarding facility for girls opened in 2020 with a capacity for over 400 boarders. The boarding program fosters academic success through a structured environment. It includes:

• Physical exercise sessions: Promoting physical and mental well-being.

• Dedicated study time: Allowing focused learning without distractions.

• Access to sports facilities: Encouraging healthy competition and teamwork.

• Buddy system: Pairing new students with experienced students for a smooth transition.

"When I was a day scholar, my schedule was so busy because I had to help at home! But now that I’m boarding, I get a lot more time for my schoolwork." – Fatuma, Form 1 student (watch her story here)

Lack of access to boarding can be a huge barrier to academic performance, particularly for girls who are often expected to contribute significantly to household chores and childcare, taking away from study time and impacting their overall academic achievement. Boarding schools provide a safe space where girls can focus on their education without the burden of household responsibilities.

St Jude's boarding program ensures the students get sufficient sleep and rest, and thereby, the energy to face the demands of schooling. Our boarding routines and schedules make getting seven to eight hours of sleep certain, proven to support crucial memory retention and academic performance.

St Jude's fleet of 25 buses alleviates long commutes. It reduces the walking distance of students by almost 8,500km per week, relieving pressure from students sacrificing early hours of sleep to walk to school.

With your help, the St Jude's model tackles the barriers to education, providing a safe and supportive environment that fosters academic success! It serves as a powerful example of how a comprehensive approach to education can fuel positive change, breaking the cycle of poverty and creating a brighter future.