Saint Luke’s has a very special and active relationship with Kibeta English Medium Primary School (KEMPS) in Tanzania, Africa. Besides the funds that we raise through special mission offerings, we are very proud to have had two of our own members, Gayle Kliever and Stephanie Schmiege, spend seven years between them teaching at the school, which lies at the northwest corner of Tanzania.

Run by the North Western Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania, KEMPS was founded with the support and encouragement of our own Metropolitan New York Synod. KEMPS was established to provide quality education and care in a country where everyone is struggling to get an education. Children of Tanzania are only guaranteed a seven-year elementary education – and this is at only half-built, half-staffed, and poorly funded government schools. For a child to receive a good primary education (and a chance at high school), he or she must attend a private school. A private school can sometimes cost a family 100% to 300% of their per capita income. KEMPS was founded to provide young students with excellent education and care, and to give them a chance at succeeding in secondary school and university.