Australian actress Rebel Wilson, known for her roles in Pitch Perfect and Bridesmaids, has visited Tanzania to meet her sponsored student Winnie for the first time.

The two have been sharing letters, gifts and photos for over eight years as Rebel has tried to help Winnie and her family escape the poverty cycle by sponsoring her high-quality education through the charity, The School of St Jude.

Rebel is a long-time supporter of St Jude’s, which is a school providing more than 1800 of the poorest and brightest students with a free, high-quality education. She visited the school on her way home from filming her upcoming movie, Grimsby, in South Africa.

While at St Jude’s, Rebel was excited to spend time with all of the students, teaching them a song from Pitch Perfect, practicing some rapping and learning a few new African dances.

“I loved some of the kids who were particularly interested in singing and dancing, that was really cool to see that and maybe encourage them to maybe being creative because the students here are all very serious students and they love their studying and it’s good to do a few creative things as well,” she said.

She also got the chance to visit Winnie’s home and saw for herself how the entire family’s life was improving.

“As the family has a child who goes to The School of St Jude they feel so hopeful for the future of their family and they know Winnie is going to go on and get a good job in life,” she said. “Winnie has two other sisters and two brothers and she teaches English and what she learns at school when she is on holidays with them and it was so good to see that already this young girl is improving her own family.”

Rebel’s passion for St Jude’s started in 2006, at a time when she was a struggling artist trying to catch a break in the entertainment industry. Since then, the pair has continued to build their relationship from across the globe. Winnie loves hearing all of Rebel’s stories and advice.

Rebel’s passion for St Jude’s started in 2006, after she was inspired by a documentary on The School of St Jude and its founder, Gemma Sisia. The two spent time together on safari and at the school.

“We are delighted that Rebel decided to visit the school after being part of the St Jude’s family for the past eight years,” said Gemma.

Rebel is an official ambassador for The School of St Jude, believing that the school is creating real change by fighting poverty through education.

“The thing about St Jude’s is you know that you are directly helping people and the quality of the education and the quality of the living conditions here is just so amazing for these kids and it gives them such a headstart in life,” said Rebel.

If you would like to sponsor a student like Winnie, visit the St Jude’s website today www.schoolofstjude.org.