Barbara Eshman of the Inverell, Australia Chapter wrote the other day to tell us about their chapter’s most recent humanitarian project. After a recent meeting with Gemma Sisia, founder of the School of St. Jude in Tanzania, the chapter learned of the school’s need for funds to purchase text books. At the next chapter meeting, members resolved to make a contribution of $500 to make the purchase of text books possible.
Gemma Sisia, a young woman from a sheep farm in Australia, opened the School of St. Jude in 2002. It has since grown to serve nearly 1,200 children with 130 teachers and a staff of 200. Thanks to sponsors from all over the world, more than 90% of the children receive a totally free education. Sponsors cover the costs of education as well as uniforms, supplies, transportation and meals.
PTPI’s Inverell, Australia Chapter has long had a connection with Gemma Sisia (who went to school in Inverell) and the school. They nominated Gemma Sisia for PTPI’s Make a Difference Award in 2006. She returned to Australia for PTPI’s Worldwide Conference, where she accepted the award and spoke to conference attendees.
In 2008 PTPI led a Humanitarian and Cultural Mission to Tanzania, which included a visit to the School of St. Jude. They took a tour of the school, visited classrooms and enjoyed lunch with the students. A special highlight was meeting Calvin Elias, the student PTPI has sponsored since 2006.
Calvin, the wonderful student PTPI sponsors at the School of St. Jude
Paul and Karen Melnick, delegates on PTPI's mission to Tanzania, pose with students at the School of St. Jude
