The Tanzania immersion was a transformative journey for a group of Joe-Boys. Among them, William L (Y12) and Angus G (Y10) returned with insightful stories of connection and gratitude.
When Angus first heard about the Tanzania immersion in Year 7, he knew it was something he wanted to be part of. Now in Year 10, reflecting on the trip, he described it simply: 鈥淭his journey changed my life in ways I never imagined. It was, without a doubt, one of the most rewarding and eye-opening experiences I鈥檝e ever had.鈥�
Angus spoke of the contrasts between expectation and experience. 鈥淚 thought I already had a good sense of what to expect,鈥� he said, having seen photos and videos from previous years. But the reality, he said, was far more profound. 鈥淲hat struck me most were the countless people walking along the roadside in old, tattered clothes, yet each one of them wore a beaming smile.鈥�
The group travelled across the globe, from Sydney to Doha, Dar es Salaam and finally Kilimanjaro, where they were greeted by students from the School of St Jude. The welcome was unforgettable. 鈥淭he sound of bongo drums filled the air as we joined in, laughing and dancing. The nerves and apprehension melted away instantly,鈥� Angus recalled.
For William, one of only two Year 12 students on the trip, the experience challenged assumptions and reshaped his perspective. 鈥淚 immediately assumed we would need protection 鈥� due to all the stories of civil war and unsafe environments swarming on social media. However, we were greeted by the happiest and the most social people we have ever met 鈥� I felt a little guilty that I judged before actually experiencing it firsthand.鈥�
Both Angus and William spoke of the impact of their time with the students of St Jude鈥檚. 鈥淭hese students were deeply grateful for the opportunity they had,鈥� said Angus. 鈥淭heir enthusiasm was contagious and their stories inspiring.鈥� William agreed, adding, 鈥淲e visited a mother caring for three children 鈥� she built a small concrete home all by herself with no help and no past experience. Hearing things like that definitely humbled us.鈥�
鈥溾�� it is from these uncomfortable moments that you learn more about yourself and the world around you.鈥�
WILLIAM L (Y12)
The boys also had the opportunity to meet Gemma Sisia, founder of the School of St Jude, whose family ties to 国产探花 run deep. William shared: 鈥淗er seven brothers all attended 国产探花, and her son Jacob also coaches the U15Cs rugby team with Mr Blake, Fr Gavin and Br Michael.鈥�
From classroom and home visits to wildlife safaris through Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater, the immersion was filled with reflective and exhilarating moments. 鈥淚t was like stepping into a wildlife documentary, and I was Attenborough,鈥� Angus joked.
Yet, it was the lessons in gratitude and humility that made the deepest impression. 鈥淏efore the trip, I expected to see deep poverty, people living in slums without hope or joy. But the reality was far from that,鈥� Angus said. 鈥淚t made me realise that I鈥檝e got thousands of things they don鈥檛 have, and yet it seems I鈥檓 not the happy one.鈥�
Both boys encouraged other Joe-Boys to consider an immersion opportunity. 鈥淕oing on an immersion is not going on a nice holiday with your mates,鈥� William said. 鈥淚t requires you to get outside of your comfort zone 鈥� But it is from these uncomfortable moments that you learn more about yourself and the world around you.鈥�
Angus added, 鈥淭his trip gave me a deeper understanding of what privilege really is鈥� When you think about the dedication of five-year-olds waking at 4.30am to get to school, my own excuses suddenly seem very small.鈥�
The final word belonged to William, who encouraged his fellow Joe-Boys to step forward when the chance comes: 鈥淚f you are thinking about attending an immersion in the future, I recommend that you get a job and contribute to the trip you will go on, as it is one of the best investments you will ever make. I definitely plan to go back and do volunteer work for St Jude鈥檚 in the future.鈥�
Our sincere thanks to Mr Vane-Tempest, Mr Reeves, Mrs Purnell and Mrs Roden for their leadership and planning, and to the community of St Jude鈥檚 for welcoming our boys with such warmth.
Headmaster鈥檚 Assembly 鈥� Angus G (Y10)
