Following five weeks of intensive teaching, training and different activities aimed at guiding young senior high school students to develop more interest in Sciences, 73 students on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 completed the 2024 Camp xSEL.
Camp xSEL is an annual summer program under the USAID-funded Bringing Research to Impact for Development, Global Engagement, and Utilization: Applying Research for a Healthy Liberia (BRIDGE-U) project intended to prepare young men and women interested in health science careers — with a goal of at least 50% participation by women.
The camp is part of the many programs of the University of Liberia’s College of Health Sciences (ULCHS) with the aim to close the gender gap among 16- to 17-year-old students by equipping them with the tools and skills to excel in their studies and careers.
Serving as keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony, US Ambassador accredited to Liberia Mark C. Toner assured Liberia of the US Government’s quest to improve its healthcare delivery system. With Liberia being on the frontline of many health challenges since the infamous Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), the US envoy said that there is a need for real time support to revitalize the health system.
In so doing, Ambassador Toner assured the Liberian Government and its people of his government’s commitment to help Liberia develop a good health and science system that will be one of the strongest in the world.
“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,” we must all help to shift the future of this country together. Cam xSEL is one of the US government’s support,” he asserted. The US envoy then called on the youthful population to all join hands in better shifting the country’s future for the better.
With over 400 students graduating since the inception of the Camp xSEL program some three years ago, the US diplomat lauded the Liberian government and its USAID partner for the strong collaboration in preparing Liberian youth through their career pathways.
“I want to first of all acknowledge the incredible team behind this program, the University of Liberia and their partners at the U.S Agency for International Development. I see all on the back of all your t-shirts “USAID”. Your hard work has made today really possible and seeing the enthusiasm and the smiles from all of you really indicates the importance of the differences that you have made. I know it was an impressive finish from all of you. You should be incredibly proud of your achievements.” “I’m sure it was a journey of learning and preparation for what lies ahead. What you accomplish here is more than just completing a program; it’s about shaping the future of this country.”
According to him, Camp xSEL is part of a larger vision shared by the US Government with the Government of Liberia to empower young people to become leaders in their communities and country through the BRIDGE-U initiative.
“Over 400 students, I understand, have already taken steps towards a career in Health Sciences and now you’re part; so it’s like you are on that same path. The United States is deeply committed to supporting Liberians. Camp XL is just one example of how we’re investing in education and helping in building Liberia’s future and we’re building that future together. I mean a future where innovation as well as critical thinking, learning and leadership will be the driving forces for that positive change,” he Ambassador said.
“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 is on the front lines of many of the global health challenges from Ebola to covid 19. We need strong leaders wherein skilled clinicians are able to 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.”
Madam Comfort Enders, head of Camp xSEL Management Team, explained that the 2024 camp brought together students from 11th to 12th grades for the sole purpose of preparing them for their career pathways in the area of sciences.
“I want to thank all support staff, instructors and counselors for helping to mode the students. During the five-week camp, students in preparing for their career pathways showcased their talents in different ways,” she said. Meanwhile, several of the students expressed great excitement about the five-week long program, stating that the program has actually built their minds to take up courses in sciences upon graduation from high school.
“The campus was actually amazing. It was a five-week of intensive science program that was so encouraging to us, the young people. Liberians need to be encouraged into the medical field, those that have passion to pursue a career in the medical field,” asserted Nathan J. Senkao, a 12th grader at the Bassa High School in the port city of Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.
“We have been trained on how to conquer future challenges with critical thinking skills. I’ll be encouraging other students about this camp, especially science students who are interested in pursuing a career in Health Sciences,” said Student Aminata H. Sieh.
