I first heard of Gemma Rice while in Ghana last year. A Melbournian volunteer from World Vision was telling me the incredible story of how this rural Aussie woman opened a school in Tanzania. Last night Gemma was featured on ABC’s Australian Story and so I thought I would write a little something as well.
In 2002 St Jude’s was opened with only a handful of students and one teacher. Today there are almost 1200 children, 130 teachers and 200 staff. A second school was also opened in 2008 and over 90% of the children at the school receive a totally free education through international sponsorship. Gemma’s charity began with small $5 monthly donations from friends and family and it just goes to show that international charity can start at home. St Jude’s is now helping a large number of children to “Fight poverty through education”.
Another Australian woman who is truly inspirational is Irene Gleeson. Nearly 20 years ago Irene sold her house in Australia to finance her charity work in Uganda. Irene has just been made an Officer of the Order of Australia for “service to international relations, particularly through sustained aid for children affected by war and HIV-AIDS in northern Uganda”. Her charitable projects through Childcare Kitgum Servants are extensive and include primary schools & training centres, medical & counselling services and cultural & community projects.
The staff at Beach & Bay are always excited to hear of the wonderful work that Australian people are doing in African countries, particularly those involving children. Last year we supported building a classroom in Ghana and we also sponsor a girl in Ghana through World vision.
If you would like to know more information about the above Aussie women and their charities please see the following websites.
St Judes – http://www.schoolofstjude.co.tz/
Childcare Kitgum Servants – http://www.cks.org.au/
