Harbel College Sports History
Harbel College Sports Academy (HCSA) is a "new-old” concept. It is "old" in the sense that it was formerly called "Center for Youth Empowerment and Athletics in Liberia.” HCSA owns its birth to the dream of the Liberian History, Educational and Development (LIHEDE s’) Center for Youth Empowerment and Athletics in Liberia.
http://wwww.lihede.org/document/projects/Brazil_New_Proposal1-1.pdf.
While serving as LIHEDE’s Executive Directive, Dr. Somah and his fellow Liberians saw the need for a national school of sport in post-conflict Liberia. One of the nations that was contacted for funding was Brazil. Hence, Drs. Syrulwa Somah, Emmett Dennis, the Social Affairs Director and Mr. Sam Togba Slewion, the Secretary General, delivered the proposal to the Consulate General of Brazil on 225 East 41st Street, New York after a meeting was scheduled. The Brazilians bought into the idea and asked the LIHEDEAN delegation if they too could adopt the concept for Brazilian youth. The LIHEDEAN delegation agreed for Brazil to adopt the Center for Youth Empowerment and Athletics in Liberia as theirs (Center for Youth Empowerment and Athletics in Brazil).
The Consulate General of Brazil forwarded the proposal to their government which requested the support letter from the Liberian government, especially the Ministries of Youth and Sport, and Education.
The Consulate General of Brazil forwarded the proposal to its government which in return, requested the support letter from the Liberian government, especially the former Ministries of Youth and Sport, and Education – Cllr. Wheatonia Y. Dixon-Barnes and Dr. Evelyn White-Kandakai respectively, for the Center for Youth Empowerment and Athletics in Liberia's application for Brazil funding the LIHEDE’s program. Unfortunately, bilateral communication to execute the project failed.
When Dr. Somah became the first President of Harbel College, one of his passions was to see young girls grow up with engineering career in mind for their futures. The question that remains is how to attract young girls in engineering. The obvious answer is the use of football to gear young women in engineering fields. ”I want for HARCO to be changing face of engineering: female students to be in the majority.” he said. Throughout the year HCSA host 9-12 graders outreach, math, science, and English tutoring, hygiene, and social events. The college’s new DSTV system with 55’ TV screen has been a plus to watch games and other educational channels.
