Nursery Facility Opened at Dabokpa Technical Institute to Support Nursing Mothers

A newly refurbished nursery facility has been commissioned at Dabokpa Technical Institute in Tamale to support nursing mothers enrolled on the Precision Quality Internship Programme.

The facility is aimed at helping young mothers continue their technical and vocational training while ensuring their children are cared for in a safe environment.

The nursery was refurbished with support from the Mastercard Foundation in collaboration with the Design Technology Institute and implemented by Accents and Arts Ltd.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Programme Manager of the Precision Quality Internship Programme and General Manager at Accents and Arts, Bernice Gavor, said the project was designed to respond to the needs of trainees with extra caregiving responsibilities.

“This is not just about opening a space; it is about strengthening the support systems that make learning possible, especially for those who carry additional responsibilities,” she said.

She said the first cohort of the programme at Dabokpa Technical Institute recorded 253 graduates, with 149 of them securing industry placements.

According to her, more than 40 nursing mothers were part of the first cohort, while the number has risen to nearly 100 in the ongoing second cohort.

The Principal of the institute, Mariama Mahama, said the facility was important because many women face difficulties combining childcare with technical training.

“The quest to get technical and vocational education off its feet in Ghana cannot be fully realised if women are left behind. Let us renew our commitment to breaking down barriers that hinder women’s progress in TVET,” she said.

Trainees also welcomed the initiative, saying it would help remove one of the main obstacles facing young mothers in school.

A software development trainee and nursing mother, Shaibu Hamdiya, said the facility would make a big difference.

“The major barrier has been removed. Being a mother should not prevent anyone from learning a trade to become a better person,” she said.

The nursery is expected to improve participation, retention and performance among female trainees, especially nursing mothers.