Retrenchment

The world-wide economic crisis is being felt in this region of Tanzania, and at this school. In a meeting held several days ago, which all faculty and staff attended, and which was conducted in both Kiswahili and English, the school's founder and leader, Gemma, described the difficult financial situation that the school is facing. Sponsorships do not cover the operating costs, and some sponsors are finding it difficult to give as they have in the past. So everyone has been asked to accept a ten percent cut in pay. All have been asked to work very hard to conserve electricity and school supplies. Eggs, milk and meat have been eliminated from the meals. And, most painfully, nearly fifty employees have been "retrenched," asked to leave because of the budget shortfall. The Tanzanian labor laws concerning severance pay were explained, and the school added some money to those minimum requirements. Voluntary retrenchment was encouraged. While it is necessary to reduce spending, efforts will continue to raise money.



The 1,148 students at St. Jude's do not pay fees, and they are receiving one of the best educations possible in Tanzania. Their test scores are impressively high on their national exams, and their parents and teachers are understandably proud of them. What this school has done, and continues to do, is nothing if not inspiring. And we are hopeful and confident in the future. That being said, it is still sad to have to say goodbye to people.