Alumni – Where are they now?

James Anderson, former student of St Joseph’s College, Stoke-on-Trent

From 2006 to 2014, I was a pupil at St Joseph’s College, Stoke-On-Trent. My time at St Joseph’s was incredibly enjoyable and enriching; it was a place that instilled in me key life values that have shaped who I am today. Even more valuable, the school allowed me to form strong bonds of friendship which are still ever present today. Myself and my friends regularly meet up and reminisce fondly on our time at St Joseph’s, from the teachers to the sporting opportunities, to the access to an overall outstanding education – the school was a fundamental part of a very happy childhood for us all.

In 2013 and 2014, I had the incredible opportunity to embark on immersion trips to Sierra Leone, experiences that profoundly impacted my perspective and instilled invaluable life lessons in me. As I immersed myself in the communities of Sierra Leone, I witnessed first-hand the resilience, strength, and warmth of the people amidst severely challenging circumstances. Interacting with individuals facing adversity taught me the importance of empathy, compassion, solidarity, and the immeasurable value of hope. The immersion trips also broadened my understanding of global issues such as poverty, inequality, and social justice.

Upon returning from Sierra Leone, myself and my friends Joe, James, and Jacob, who took part in a different immersion trip, were deeply moved by the resilience and potential we witnessed in the individuals we met, including a young man named Mohamed. Determined to make a difference in his life, we decided to support him in pursuing his dreams of Higher Education. Through our collective efforts, we funded Mohamed’s university education, providing him with the opportunity to be the first person in his family and displacement camp to attend university. Mohamed went on to obtain a degree in Economics. Today, Mohamed is self-sufficient, which allows him to support not only himself but also his family, creating a ripple effect of positive change within his community. I was fortunate enough to visit Mohamed in 2018 in Sierra Leone to attend his university graduation.

Witnessing the rich diversity of landscapes, cultures, and challenges faced by communities across Sierra Leone deeply moved me. Inspired by my experiences, I pursued a degree in Geography at the University of Liverpool. Additionally, my travels to five other African countries further enriched my understanding of geographical concepts and global perspectives. Now, as a teacher of Geography and Global Citizenship in Qatar, I draw upon my first-hand experiences to use within lessons with the aim of fostering a deeper understanding of global issues and encouraging empathy and activism within pupils.

Over the last few years, I have been involved in raising funds for the Catch the Dream Project in Sierra Leone. This not-for-profit organisation focuses on empowering rural communities and improving their quality of life through sustainable development projects. By participating in these fundraising activities, I aim to contribute to the ongoing efforts to create positive change and support those in need in Sierra Leone.

Attending an Edmund Rice school has profoundly shaped my career path. The values of compassion, service, and social justice instilled in me during my time at the St Joseph’s have inspired me to pursue a career in teaching. This ethos continues to motivate me to be involved in projects that aims to boost the conditions for those living in Sierra Leone.