Our African Adventure Begins: School of St Jude, Arusha, Tanzania
The excitement and nerves were high as some of the 'Kili Crew,' Kat, Sue, Camille, Danielle, Jenny and Amanda, kicked things off with a celebratory glass of bubbles before boarding our transport to Sydney. There's something special about seeing that SYD departure sign that makes it all feel real–the adventure was officially underway!
After breezing through customs, we settled in for a 14.5-hour flight to Dubai. Despite the long haul, spirits remained high during our stopover in Dubai for a bite to eat, a cold beer, and a little exploring before our next flight—a five-hour hop to Nairobi.
A slight hiccup with a delayed flight and a 7-hour layover in Nairobi couldn't dampen our spirits. The anticipation kept us going as we boarded our final one-hour flight to Kilimanjaro Airport in Tanzania.
Exhausted but buzzing with excitement, we stepped off the plane to see the smiling faces of Joel, Eric and Doddi with the yellow School of St Jude bus waiting for us at 11:45 pm.
After 40-plus hours of travel, a good night's sleep and a refreshing shower were exactly what we needed. We'll explore Arusha town in the morning—but not too early. After all, we've earned a well-deserved sleep-in! We can't wait for our final two team members to join us tomorrow.
Our official Day 1-Saturday, 24th August 2024
We kicked off our adventure with a leisurely morning, savouring a delightful breakfast at the school. Then, it was all aboard the Blue St. Jude mini school bus as we dived headfirst into the vibrant buzz of Arusha town!
Our first stop was the incredible Shanga, a social enterprise that stole our hearts. This magical place is on a mission—two missions, in fact. First, they provide dignified employment opportunities to people with disabilities. Second, they transform waste materials into gorgeous, one-of-a-kind art and home decor pieces. From mesmerising glass-blowing to the intricate art of scarf-making, from stunning beadwork to exquisite ornaments, everything is made with love and creativity that shines through.
We were grateful for a mouth-watering lunch at the Arusha Coffee Lodge, where the smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. We loved the hour we had to explore the Cultural Heritage Center, a treasure trove of Tanzanian art, culture, and history.
Of course, a trip to a new country is not complete without a supermarket stop! We had a blast discovering local goodies and unique finds, this certainly isn't Woolies, its far more interesting...
The day wrapped up perfectly as we returned home for a much-needed rest before our final team members, Kathie and Meleah, arrived. We greeted them with open arms, thrilled to have our team complete and ready for the adventures ahead.
It was the perfect first day to ease into the sites, sounds and smells of Tanzania and set the tone for the incredible journey.
Day 2 - Sunday, 25th August
Today was an action-packed day as we delved deeper into the incredible place we're fortunate to stay at—The School of St Jude. This isn't just any school; it's a beacon of hope in the heart of Arusha, Tanzania.
Founded by Australian Gemma Sisia in 2002, the school operates on a powerful belief: education is the key to fighting poverty. With three campuses, St Jude's provides free primary and secondary education to children from some of the most disadvantaged communities in the region. It also offers boarding to over 1,000 students and employs more than 270 local Tanzanian staff members, making it a true pillar of the community.
Our morning began with an enlightening session with the Visitor's Team. We watched videos and learned about the school's inspiring journey—from its humble beginnings to the rigorous selection process for students. We walked away with a newfound mission: to spread the word about this incredible place.
Next on the agenda was a village walk, which turned into an unexpectedly emotional experience. As we strolled through the village, we were drawn to the sound of beautiful singing. Following the melodies, we found ourselves at a local church, where we were warmly invited inside and welcomed like family. The sheer joy and sincerity of the community brought many of us to tears—it was a moment of pure connection and shared humanity that we'll never forget.
After that heartfelt experience, we continued our day with a tour of the Moivaro boarding campus, a picturesque haven where 450 girls live and study at St Jude's. It was heartwarming to see such a vibrant community flourishing here.
Then came the cooking class or, more accurately, the cooking challenge! We teamed up with the visitor staff and dove into making chapati and veggie coconut stew with salad. The outdoor kitchen was filled with laughter and friendly competition, but ultimately, the "Cooking Queens" emerged victorious.
In the afternoon, we visited the Smith Campus and were each paired with a senior student for a one-on-one tour. These students graciously shared their lives and dreams with us. It was a humbling experience, and we felt truly honoured to witness their world through their eyes.
We wrapped up the day with a quick stop at the waterhole for an afternoon drink before heading back for dinner and an early night. Tomorrow promises more of St Jude's magic, and we can't wait to see what it brings.
Day 3 - Monday, 26th August
Today was one of those days that stays with you long after it ends. We began with a tour of the stunning Sisia Campus at The School of St Jude. The grounds and facilities were extraordinary—libraries, bustling computer labs, lively music rooms, and vibrant art spaces. We were welcomed by incredible teachers and students at every turn, each leaving a lasting impression.
One of the tour's highlights was visiting the school's art gallery, where the student's creativity truly shines. The walls were adorned with artwork, each piece telling its own story. We marvelled at some extraordinary art, knowing these talented young artists have a bright future.
The day got even better as we spent time with Gemma Sisia, the visionary behind St Jude. Listening to her share the school's journey from its humble beginnings with just three students to the thriving community it is today was deeply inspiring. Gemma's passion and dedication are infectious, and it was an honour to hear her dreams for the school's future. Knowing she's an Aussie made the experience even more special.
Lunch was a joyful affair as we joined the primary school kids; their energy and laughter made us feel completely immersed in their world. Later, we held reading groups and even participated in a music class—fun and deeply fulfilling moments.
The afternoon brought an experience that touched us all, a home visit. Paired with a teammate, we were welcomed into a student's home, bearing gifts of food and household items. These students come from incredibly humble backgrounds, and to be invited into their homes was a privilege. The gratitude and warmth we felt from their families will stay with us forever.
We ended the day with a lively dinner at Khan's Barbeque in Arusha, a local institution that has been running for over 35 years. The chaotic drive through peak-hour traffic had us laughing all the way, and the food—served street—side—was nothing short of spectacular.
Yes, it was another wonderful day for our Women Embrace Kilimanjaro Team. Asante Sana to everyone who made it so unforgettable.
Next stop...Kilimanjaro!
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