On Wednesday, August 28, 2024, seventy-three students successfully completed the 2024 Camp xSEL, a five-week intensive summer program designed to nurture interest in the sciences among senior high school students. The camp, under the USAID-funded BRIDGE-U project (Bringing Research to Impact for Development, Global Engagement, and Utilization: Applying Research for a Healthy Liberia), aims to prepare young men and women for careers in health sciences, with a goal of at least 50% participation by women.
Camp xSEL, a program of the University of Liberia College of Health Sciences (ULCHS), seeks to bridge the gender gap among 16- to 17-year-old students by equipping them with the tools and skills necessary to excel in their studies and future careers.
At the graduation ceremony held at the ULCHS Campus, US Ambassador to Liberia Mark C. Toner delivered the keynote address. He reiterated the US government’s commitment to improving Liberia’s healthcare system, particularly in light of the country’s experience with the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). Ambassador Toner assured the Liberian government and its people of continued support from the US to help develop a strong health and science system in Liberia.
“It’s our commitment to help Liberia develop a good health and science system to be one of the strongest in the world. The US is committed to supporting Liberian youth; the young people to help shape the future of this country. Camp xSEL is one of the US government’s supports,” Ambassador Toner stated.
He further emphasized the importance of youth involvement in shaping Liberia’s future and praised the collaboration between the Liberian government and USAID in preparing young Liberians for careers in health sciences. Since the inception of Camp xSEL three years ago, over 400 students have graduated from the program.
“I want to first acknowledge the incredible team behind this program, the University of Liberia and their partners at the U.S. Agency for International Development. Your hard work has made today possible, and the enthusiasm and smiles from all of you indicate the significant impact you have made. I know it was an impressive finish from all of you. You should be incredibly proud of your achievements,” said the US envoy.
According to Ambassador Toner, Camp xSEL is part of a larger vision shared by the US and Liberian governments to empower young people to become leaders in their communities and the country through the BRIDGE-U initiative. He noted that the United States is deeply committed to supporting Liberia’s future by investing in education and building the country’s future together.
“We hope to see doctors, nurses, lab technicians, and health researchers of Liberia. Your journey is just the beginning because strengthening Liberia’s health workforce is absolutely crucial. We’ve seen Liberia on the front lines of many global health challenges, from Ebola to COVID-19. We need strong leaders where skilled clinicians can protect and care for their communities. I have no doubt, given what I have seen here today, that you are all capable of taking on those roles,” he concluded.
In his remarks, University of Liberia (UL) President Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh praised the US government for its continued support of the university and the educational sector at large. He highlighted the impact of the Camp xSEL program, noting that young Liberian students are using it to build their futures, change their lives, and save lives.
Madam Comfort Enders, head of the Camp xSEL Management Team, explained that the 2024 camp brought together 11th and 12th graders to prepare them for careers in the sciences. She expressed gratitude to the support staff, instructors, and counselors for their dedication to molding the students. “During the five-week camp, students showcased their talents in different ways as they prepared for their career pathways,” she noted.
Several students also shared their excitement about the program. Nathan J. Senkao, a 12th grader from Bassa High School in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, remarked, “The camp was amazing. It was five weeks of intensive science training that was very encouraging for us, the young people. Liberians need to be encouraged into the medical field, especially those passionate about pursuing a career in the medical field.”
Aminata H. Sieh, another student, added, “We have been trained on how to conquer future challenges with critical thinking skills. I’ll be encouraging other students, especially those interested in science, to attend this camp and pursue a career in Health Sciences.”
