Camp xSEL: Bridging Liberia’s Gender Gap in Science Education

With USAID’s support, future clinicians get an early start to careers in health care

Joyce Siaway, Camp xSEL biology co-instructor from the Booker Washington Institute, in Kakata Margibi County. / Jani Kollie, BRIDGE -U:Liberia

When it comes to studying health sciences in Liberia, women are severely underrepresented compared to men. Over the last five years, approximately two men have enrolled for every one woman at the University of Liberia College of Health Sciences — Liberia’s only medical school.

Fewer women in the health sciences can lead to greater gender bias in areas like research, decision making, and patient care.

In 2021, the USAID-funded BRIDGE-U: Liberia project — which stands for Bringing Research to Impact for Development, Global Engagement, and Utilization: Applying Research for a Healthy Liberia — established the annual summer program in Monrovia, Liberia. Camp Excellence in Science Education for Liberia (Camp xSEL) is for young men and women interested in health science careers — with a goal of at least 50% participation by women. The camp aims to help 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.

To recruit participants, particularly young women, the camp’s organizers work with the Ministry of Education, local government officials, and school administrators from all 15 counties in Liberia. In 2022, nearly 300 high-achieving 11th and 12th grade students — including 128 young women — were nominated by their Ministry of Education’s district authority to participate in the recruitment process.

Students were tested on their scientific knowledge and then interviewed to gauge their motivation. While all candidates received a certificate recognizing them as a Camp xSEL scholar — an achievement unto itself, given the rigorous interview process — only 100 students were invited to participate — 51 of whom were women.

“When I was picked from among many students from my school to come and write the test, I was kind of nervous and afraid because I had never done an aptitude test before.” — Jenneh M. Garley, 12th grader from Paynesville, Liberia and aspiring medical doctor

The recruitment process itself was revealing. Test results showed that women scored lower than men; however, the camp provided a unique opportunity for them to catch up. The young women made significant strides once camp started, as seen in post-camp tests. A comparison of pre-and post-camp tests showed that the average score for female campers improved by 42%, compared to an average increase of 27.6% for male campers.

“In our setting, most times, it’s the girls that take care of the home while their parents are at work …. After doing all that, you often don’t have enough time to study. The camp was able to provide these young women that space where they could focus 100 percent on their studies,” says Sydell P. Goll, senior coordinator for Faculty and Student Learning, BRIDGE-U: Liberia. / Jani Kollie, BRIDGE -U:Liberia

In summer 2022, Camp xSEL students took courses in biology, chemistry, math, and English, and had lab sessions where many looked through a microscope for the first time. There were interactive exercises and coaching with instructors and counselors (who were final year medical students), as well as engaging learning sessions like a career panel featuring women leaders in the health sector and a sexual and reproductive health workshop.

Campers also participated in extracurricular activities — from debates and quiz competitions to a camp-wide talent show — to build critical thinking and soft skills like communication, empathy, and cooperation.

In 2022 campers arrived from Grand Gedeh and Sinoe Counties via a Mission Aviation Fellowship Flight. / Josie Curran, University of Liberia College of Health Sciences

“Camp xSEL is an amazing place. The first experience I enjoyed was my transportation… . It was my very first time to fly [in a] plane and my first time in the Capital City of Liberia. I see Camp xSEL as one of my greatest experiences in life.” — Gregoria H. Miah, 12th grader from Maryland County, Liberia and aspiring clinical psychologist

Already the program is shifting to reach even more young men and women who aspire to be health professionals. In its first year, campers were incoming pre-med and pre-clinical students at the University of Liberia. But, in 2022, Camp xSEL adjusted to include younger high-achieving science students in 11th and 12th grades.

This year, previous campers who were in 11th grade will return as 12th graders, along with 50 newly recruited students. BRIDGE-U: Liberia will also expand the pool of Camp xSEL instructors by recruiting and training instructors from Tubman University — Liberia’s second largest public university — to teach at the camp.

“I am learning lots of things, most especially when it comes to biology. For my school, we have a problem learning biology just by reading books…It’s a privilege and a great opportunity to be a part of the camp. Now I can say I have touched and seen a lab and [done] experiments.” — Faith A. Kulu, 11th grader from Cape Mount County, Liberia and aspiring aquaculturist

Campers prepare to identify plant cells on a prepared slide of onion skin during a laboratory session. / Princess Blamo, University of Liberia College of Health Sciences

By encouraging young women to study health science, and building the confidence and capabilities of all students, Camp xSEL is creating a new generation of health professionals in Liberia, ensuring that their health workforce is not only better equipped to meet the country’s healthcare needs, but is also more representative of all Liberians.

About the Author

Jani Kollie is the Communications Director for BRIDGE-U: Applying Research for a Healthy Liberia.