As Olympic Foundation Expands Talent Hunt
Monrovia, Liberia – It is anticipated that a group of the top six Liberian students will travel to Côte d’Ivoire for a week-long academic engagement during the final week of June. According to J. MacMillan Vaye, Co-Founder of the Liberia Olympic Foundation, the trip, which is planned around a plenary session that runs from June 27 to July 4, will bring together young talents in science and mathematics from all over Africa. The African Olympic Academy, in partnership with the Liberia Olympic Foundation, is funding the initiative.
He informed reporters that in order to improve their competitive abilities, a group of chosen pupils will participate in rigorous online and in-person training over the course of the next two months, including a scheduled exchange with a team from Sierra Leone.
He claims that the program is a part of a larger initiative to find, develop, and support exceptional Liberian kids in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) while encouraging creativity and critical thinking. “This program is about recruiting, training, and retaining students for Liberia’s transformation. We have bright students, but we lack the right structure to fully harness their potential,” he narrated.
According to Vaye, the selection process started with 500–600 students from Montserrado County in a pilot phase. After several testing rounds and institutional recommendations, the pool was reduced to 30 students, six of whom were ultimately chosen for the trip to Côte d’Ivoire. He did point out that some students who fared poorly at first went on to do well after being given another chance through referral paths, demonstrating the system’s latent talent.
“The competition model emphasizes problem-solving without calculators, requiring students to not only arrive at answers but also explain and justify their reasoning, an approach aimed at building analytical and innovative thinking,” Vaye said.
The co-founder of the Liberia Olympic Foundation clarified that the organization is also operating in accordance with national development priorities, namely in enhancing human capital via STEM education as specified in government policy frameworks. Additionally, he urged the Liberian government to assist with logistics, including passports and transportation, while partner universities continue to pay for other program expenses.
According to Vaye, the organization intends to continue mentoring participating children after the current trip through next camps and academic possibilities, including possible routes to foreign universities that specialize in computer science, engineering, and artificial intelligence.
According to him, “This is just the beginning. We are building a pipeline of young innovators who will shape Liberia’s future.”
Nathaniel K. Cisio, Jr., Assistant Minister for STEM and TVET at the Ministry of Education (MOE), gave a passionate speech in which he urged students to maintain their confidence and focus while highlighting the vital role mentorship and teachers play in developing future leaders.
“You can be anything you want to be. Go out there, stay confident, and make your country proud,” MOE Assistant Minister narrated.
Additionally, Cisio expressed hope that young people would not only compete but also succeed on the international scene, calling them “Liberia’s stars” and attesting to the nation’s increasing commitment in youth development and education.
The official unveiling of the national team, which included Mark Tambah, Mavies Cole, Khalifa L. Dolley Melvin Gizzie, Massanjay Kamara, and Mariam Kromah after a stringent selection process, was the event’s high point. With guarantees of ongoing government support, including logistical assistance and possible scholarship opportunities, the squad will now undertake rigorous preparation ahead of the international competition.
The Liberian flag was symbolically given to team captain Mark Tambah, who was entrusted with managing the delegation and maintaining national unity during the competition.
Reported by: Prince Saah
