SHINE’ing the Spotlight on…
Gemma Sisia

In 2007 Gemma’s achievements were honoured by an Order of Australia medal. Her story has been featured twice in the ABC TV documentary program Australian Story, in 2005 and a follow-up in 2009. In 2012 Gemma was named one of The  Australian Financial Review and Westpac’s 100 Women of Influence, nominated in the Global category and was also a finalist in New South Wales for Australian of the Year.

Gemma, when did you first head to Africa and what inspired you to set up The School of St Jude?

I first came to Africa in 1995. I was working at a private school in Uganda. It struck me that so many kids were living in such poor conditions, and yet, some kids had access to a great education. Money, or lack of, was the only thing stopping poorer children from receiving a good education. It really upset me, and when my now-husband’s late father, who lived in Tanzania, saw how it affected me, he offered me a piece of his land and gave me permission to start a free, private school for poor children in his area.

Tell us about some of the challenges you faced when you first made the decision to set up the school and how did you overcome?

People told me it was impossible, that was my greatest challenge. I overcame it by not listening to them! I was young, naive… but strong and determined. The combination of youth and persistence motivated me to push through and ignore the naysayers.

What are the highlights of your day or things you look forward to most? 

I just love seeing the younger students learning, growing up and having fun. My office window backs onto one of our playgrounds, so I’m always hearing the children’s laughter. The other highlight of my day is going home to spend quality time with my own family. I have my husband and four children who are the centre of my world.

What career or personal achievement are you most proud of?

When we started the school, we had only one, young, volunteer teacher and three students. Now, we are educating nearly 2000 and I’m so proud of the team effort. We couldn’t have come this far without an incredible staff and many, many, loyal supporters all over the world.

And what’s next for Gemma Sisia?

We’ve just opened a new secondary school, which is so exciting. And we recently built a Social Impact department, who will be able to measure the school’s impact on he local community. This year, many of our own alumni signed up for a new initiative called Alumni Spirit, so they are coming back and helping out with coaching, public speaking, in the classrooms. And, some are even donating to the school’s Unsponsored Student Fund! It’s wonderful to see our radiates giving back in the spirit they received, and helping their younger brothers and sisters who are still at St Jude’s.

To connect with Gemma or find out more head to:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-sisia-b89555a/

https://www.schoolofstjude.org/index-home.html