About

The Kalawa Library and School Project (KLSP) is a nonprofit organization founded in South Dakota, USA, in September 2011 by educators Gideon and Paula Kilonzo. Driven by the vision to bring quality education to an underserved rural community, they established St. Joseph's Academy in Kalawa, Kenya, a primary school that is the current focus of KLSP's work.

KLSP supports daily school operations, teacher development, computer literacy, library services, teaching resources, and ongoing campus improvements for the students of St. Joseph's Academy. Its broader mission is to advance literacy, critical thinking, and opportunity in ways that strengthen families and the wider Kalawa community.

St. Joseph's Academy campus
St. Joseph's Academy campus - Kalawa, Kenya
Mission

To provide high-quality education that helps students become confident, independent, and equipped to shape their own futures.

Vision

To see communities like Kalawa strengthened through education that is locally grounded, community-centered, and sustainable over time.

Our Story

How a visit to rural Kenya sparked the idea for a library and, eventually, a school.

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Meet the Founders

Gideon and Paula Kilonzo, educators with a combined 90 years in the classroom.

Meet them →

What Support Makes Possible

A stronger daily learning environment for students at St. Joseph's Academy.
Practical support for teachers, classrooms, and school operations.
Longer-term projects that help the school serve students more effectively.

St. Joseph's Academy — Then & Now

St. Joseph's Academy before
2013
St. Joseph's Academy after
2025

Support the work in Kalawa

If you would like to help support students, classrooms, and practical school needs, you can explore current support options or go directly to our donation page.

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