Maka Mia Pizza supports African nation through fundraiser

Maka Mia Pizza supports African nation through fundraiser

Published 1:30 pm Friday, July 24, 2026

This past Monday and Tuesday, Maka Mia Pizza hosted the Educate Liberia Fundraiser from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. both nights. The fundraiser is run by Pastor Israel David, Jonathan Popp, and Meagan Popp and was founded seven years ago. The group has spent the past seven years raising money to build a school in Bomi County, Liberia, Africa, to bring free education back to Pastor Israel’s home after many civil wars ravaged the area. With the school opening two years ago, in 2023, the work continues as they seek funds to help run the school.

Pastor Israel first met the family through Meagan Popp’s father during a crusade in Africa. After her father passed, Pastor Israel reached out to Jonathan and Meagan about working together. This relationship grew into the Educate Liberia Fundraiser and eventually led to them buying a worn-down warehouse, which they converted into the New Breed Praise Academy.

The choice to build in Bomi County came from Pastor Israel. Having grown up in Liberia, he had to flee to Ghana to a refugee camp amid civil wars that destroyed his home. Before the wars, Liberia was a leader in education in Africa, home to several universities and schools. In the current day, most of the schools have been destroyed or abandoned, leaving hundreds of young children without access to education and resources.

Since the New Breed Praise Academy opened in 2023, the school has provided free tuition, uniforms, school supplies, and meals to over 200 students, but this is only the beginning. Even though the school is up and running, the fundraiser is still active to provide funds to keep the school in operation. When asked why they continue to fundraise, Jonathan Popp stated, “Our goal is not just to impact one family, but to impact multiple generations. We want to help set them up for success and to give them a way to better themselves.”

Along with regular fundraising events, Educate Liberia also frequently hosts dinners and galas to bring awareness to the community. Their most recent event was a gala that they hosted in May this year. With the help of this community, they were able to raise over $6,000 in under two hours. Along with cash, they collected eight boxes of school supplies and 250 pairs of shoes for students. Everything earned was sent directly to the school, providing even more students with supplies they need.

To learn more about donations and sponsorship opportunities, visit their website at educateliberia.com