KAKATA, Liberia — First lady Michelle Obama visited a leadership camp for girls in Liberia to launch her latest Africa visit Monday, urging the teens in one of the world’s poorest countries to keep fighting to stay in school.

With her own teenage daughters joining her, Obama told the girls she was ‘‘just so thrilled to be here with you.’’

‘‘I’m here to shine a big bright light on you,’’ she said.

Education for girls is the central theme of the first lady’s trip, which also includes stops in Morocco and Spain. She was welcomed on her arrival in Liberia with a red carpet and traditional dancers.

In connection with the visit, USAID announced up to $27 million in funding in Liberia programming for Let Girls Learn, an initiative launched by the Obamas.

The first lady is traveling with her mother and daughters Malia, 18, who recently graduated from high school, and Sasha, 15.

Liberia was battered by civil wars between 1989 and 2003. Ebola swept the country in 2014, killing more than 4,800. Schools were closed for months.

The country was founded as part of an effort to resettle freed American slaves.

Associated Press