GEMMA Sisia’s dream to help children in Tanzania was given a boost last week when her charity was given tax deductible status by the Federal Government.
The former Guyra resident met with New England MP Barnaby Joyce in Canberra last week at an afternoon tea hosted by Prime Minister Tony Abbott.
Mr Joyce said he was glad that the School of St Jude, founded by Ms Sisia, had been given the exemption by the Government.
“It was great to catch up with Gemma, she is an inspiration to so many people,” Mr Joyce said.
“Her story is one of how to make a difference against the odds.”
The School of St Jude is now seen as a model for fighting poverty through education and is contributing to the improvement of teaching and learning across Tanzania,” he said.
“Gemma’s story is amazing. Starting with three students, she now has 1800 children at the School of St Jude,” Mr Joyce said.
“Coming from a family farm between Ben Lomond and Guyra, Gemma goes to show if you really want to make a difference you really can.”
