Young men build foundation to support education, communities

At 21, Stephen Simpson and Zakari Messam have turned a shared impulse into something more durable. What began during the COVID-19 pandemic as informal conversations about giving back – initially centred on a modest Easter initiative – has evolved into a structured organisation now active across Jamaican communities.

Though that project did not materialise, the experience ignited a determination to do more than simply talk about helping others. Instead, it sparked a commitment to creating sustained and meaningful impact.

It motivated the pair to think bigger, bring others onboard and formalise their efforts into a structured organisation. Their perseverance led to the founding of the Agape Hope Foundation of Jamaica Limited in 2021. Since then, the youth-led organisation has grown into a dynamic presence supporting youth development, educational advancement and cultural preservation across Jamaica, while also assisting families affected by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025.

Reflecting on the journey from idea to action, Simpson, founder and president of Agape, said the pandemic revealed a gap between intention and execution.

“During COVID, a lot of people were talking about helping, serving, and doing better, but very little actually happening from what we saw,” he said. When the Easter initiative fell through, the group chose not to abandon the idea. “Instead of letting it die, we regrouped, brought people together and committed to something longer term. That’s when Agape moved from being a conversation to becoming a responsibility.”

Simpson explained that Agape’s work is guided by listening closely to communities and assessing needs first hand before deploying resources.

“We start by listening. We pay close attention to where the need is most immediate and where we can realistically make an impact with the resources we have,” he said, adding that being based in Clarendon offers valuable insight.

“Many families struggle quietly with damaged homes, lost income and limited access to resources, and they often feel like help doesn’t reach them,” Simpson told The Gleaner. “Economic strain has only added to that pressure. In Clarendon, you really see how quickly one setback can affect an entire household, and that’s where we try to step in, even in small but meaningful ways.”

The foundation’s focus on youth development, education and cultural preservation, Simpson said, is deliberate. He views the three areas as deeply interconnected rather than separate priorities.

“These areas are connected. Youth need opportunity, education provides access to opportunity, and culture gives identity and pride,” he said. As a youth-led organisation, Agape understands the challenges young people face but also recognises their potential. “When young people are supported academically and rooted in their culture, they’re better positioned to contribute positively to national development. For us, it’s about building people, not just projects.”

TURNING VISION INTO ACTION

Vice-president Paulton McCarthy-Walker plays a central role in translating that vision into action. He said structured planning and careful execution are fundamental to the organisation’s effectiveness.

“Proper planning is always at the helm of my execution strategy,” he told The Gleaner. “I believe the conceptualisation of a project is one of its most important stages.” His role, he explained, is to ensure the organisation’s shared vision is clearly understood, thoughtfully planned and successfully delivered. “Proper consideration, analysis and development have been imperative.”

As Agape has expanded, McCarthy-Walker said its capacity to deliver impactful projects has strengthened, with a growing emphasis on prioritising quality over volume. Reflecting on initiatives that did not unfold as intended, he said those experiences reinforced the importance of purpose.

“A major lesson I’ve learned from initiatives that ‘go against the script’ is that the reason for the project will always keep you grounded,” he said.

Khaeim May, Agape’s director of outreach, described how the organisation identifies communities and individuals most in need of support. Outreach, he said, begins with listening and relationship-building.

“We rely on a combination of community referrals and direct needs assessments,” May said. “By listening closely to those on the ground and maintaining ongoing relationships, we’re able to identify gaps and respond where support is most urgent.”

He noted that across families, children’s homes and elderly homes, the most consistent needs are food, hygiene supplies and access to basic resources. “Beyond material needs, we also see a strong demand for emotional support and dignity-centred care, especially among the elderly and vulnerable children,” he said.

Listening, May stressed, comes before action. “Our outreach is guided by direct feedback from beneficiaries, ensuring support aligns with real needs. Sustainability comes from thoughtful planning and follow-up, rather than one-time interventions.”

A sense of pride

With initiatives such as the Agape Educational Support Grant and a planned cultural performing arts fundraiser in December, the foundation aims to strengthen its role in shaping Jamaica’s social and cultural landscape. Simpson said many people, particularly in parishes such as Clarendon, feel unseen in the wake of hurricanes and prolonged economic strain.

“Agape exists to remind people that they are not forgotten – and that this is only the beginning,” he said.

Agape member Adrienne Parry said she discovered the organisation through social media and was immediately drawn to its work. Seeing young people lead meaningful initiatives sparked a sense of pride and motivated her to get involved. The experience, she said, has fostered personal growth by exposing her to the realities faced by many Jamaicans and underscoring how even small contributions can make a difference.

“It has encouraged me to give what I can — no matter how small or how big, because it truly makes a difference,” Parry said.

She recalled one particularly moving experience delivering building materials to a family of four. “I stepped outside and cried … not out of pity, but because of the light they radiated,” she said. She noted that beneficiaries are consistently grateful, without expectation or entitlement, a humility she finds inspiring.

Looking ahead, Simpson shared his vision for Agape over the next five years. “Success looks like trust and impact,” he said. That includes communities knowing Agape will show up, students completing their education because someone believed in them, and culture being preserved in meaningful ways. “Beyond funding, success is seeing lives changed, relationships built, and knowing that Agape has become a steady presence, not a momentary one.”

olivia.brown@gleanerjm.com