Nearly a decade ago, an unlikely breakfast encounter between an American couple and a Liberian infant in Iowa sparked a remarkable journey that has the potential to transform the lives of countless Liberian children. Meet Dave and Chong Schwartz, an ordinary American couple with an extraordinary vision to transform the lives of the next generation of Liberians.
It all began in 2015 when Zachary, a Liberian infant, and his mother, Austina, crossed paths with the Schwartzes at their church. This seemingly random moment between the two families ignited a deep connection with Liberia, a country far across the Atlantic.
Years later, their connection deepened when the Schwartzes met Pastor Jackson Jaylah, a Liberian pastor who visited their local church and gave a presentation about the Agape Care Mission, Inc., an orphanage school he founded in Liberia.
Located in New Town Community, Upper Johnsonville, Montserrado County, the Agape Care Mission is a non-profit mission raising support and providing social services to orphans, underprivileged children, and elderly people. Disillusioned by the frequent lack of transparency and stability in many non-profit organizations, the Schwartzes were initially hesitant. However, Pastor Jaylah’s work resonated with them, prompting a life-changing trip to Liberia in 2022.
The harsh realities of Liberian orphanages and schools left an indelible mark. “Someone has to do something about this,” Dave remarked. His wife, Chong, echoed his sentiment with a simple, yet profound, “Why not us?”
This conversation became the cornerstone of their mission. Determined to empower the next generation of Liberians, they envisioned a self-sufficient educational campus, named “the Agape Empowerment Center”.
Although the inspiration for the Agape Empowerment Center was sparked from the Schwartzes’ experience at Pastor Jaylah’s school, the proposed Empowerment Center will be situated in Grand Bassa County, where arrangements for a larger parcel of land are being finalized to accommodate the visionary project. Meanwhile, Dave says he and his wife Chong will continue to support Jaylah’s orphanage school while the Agape Empowerment Center project progresses.
Imagine a place where children from kindergarten through 12th grade receive academic and valuable skills training, alongside agricultural programs that ensure food security. Partnering with Youth With A Mission (YWAM), their vision extends far beyond classrooms. They aim to equip thousands of Liberian children with the skills and knowledge to become future leaders, entrepreneurs, and agents of change.
Architect’s rendering of the proposed Agape Empowerment Center (courtesy: Shive-Hattery Architecture & Engineering)
“Leadership sets the tone for progress,” Dave emphasizes. Inspired by President Boakai’s vision for Liberia, they believe their efforts, combined with the government’s initiatives, can create a ripple effect of positive change.
The challenges are undeniable. Economic instability and unemployment cast long shadows. Yet, the Schwartzes remain undeterred. Their faith fuels their hope, and they see their work as an investment in God’s plan. Beyond Liberia, their dream is to create a blueprint for sustainable development, a model that can be replicated across Africa and beyond.
However, Dave Schwartz is a former financial services professional for over a decade and an entrepreneur, who later retired from business and ventured into non-profits, helping his church (Lutheran Church of Hope) to do mission work. His wife, Chong, also an entrepreneur, ran a successful group of beauty salons in the State of Iowa, while importing sporting goods to the United States from her native South Korea. She later retired and joined her husband in non-profit work. The couple have a blended family of six.
Meanwhile, every opportunity they have had to share their vision has had responses of great interest and favor, snowballing with incredibly valuable contributions of time and talent from some of the most unusual places.
“I met Wilmot Collins, the Liberian-born Mayor of Helena, Montana (USA) and we both talked for an hour about my vision and he directed me to a lady named Clarice Ford Kulah,” he explained. “I also met a lady who is from the largest law firm in the state of Iowa and explained my vision to her and she embraced the idea and did the legal documents for the organization for free.”
The Schwartzes met with a friend who runs the Shive-Hattery Architecture and Engineering firm, also in Iowa. According to Dave, the entire team of architects from the firm developed the concept renderings, while listening to him explain his vision for the school.
This journey is not a solitary one. The Schwartzes extend a heartfelt invitation to others to join them. “Commitment and shared values are the cornerstones of success,” Dave underlines.
Their unwavering faith and dedication serve as a beacon of hope, illuminating a path towards a brighter future for Liberia.
Meanwhile, a new chapter unfolds…
The Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence, a beacon of leadership in her own right, recently welcomed Dave Schwartz and his team to Grand Bassa County, the future home of the Agape Empowerment Center. This pivotal meeting marks a significant milestone for the region.
From left: Senate Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence, Dave and Chong Schwartz, Pastor Jackson Jaylah and others at the Capitol in Monrovia.
Senator Lawrence, recognizing the transformative potential of the educational center, pledged her full support and a 15-acre plot of land in Nekreen, Grand Bassa County, has been identified and allocated as the ideal location for the Agape Empowerment Center.
“This initiative is a commitment to education, agriculture, and the development of Grand Bassa County,” declared Senator Findley, echoing the sentiments of the Grand Bassa Legislative Caucus. “We look forward to seeing the Agape Empowerment Education Center come to life, providing invaluable opportunities for our youth and contributing to the growth and prosperity of Grand Bassa County,” he said.
Indeed, hope fills the air as the Agape Empowerment Center takes a giant leap forward. This center promises to be more than just a school; it will be a launchpad for opportunity, a wellspring of hope, and a testament to the power of faith and unwavering commitment.
