By Murtala Issah
A newly refurbished nursery facility has been commissioned at Dabokpa Technical Institute in Tamale to support nursing mothers enrolled in the Precision Quality Internship (PQI) Programme, marking a major step towards inclusive technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in Ghana.
The facility was refurbished with support from the Mastercard Foundation, in collaboration with the Design Technology Institute, and implemented by Accents and Arts Ltd. The initiative, under the PQI Programme, is designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for the children of trainees, enabling young mothers to fully participate in skills development without compromising childcare responsibilities.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Programme Manager of the Precision Quality Internship Programme and General Manager at Accents and Arts, Bernice Gavor, described the initiative as a practical response to the realities faced by many learners.
“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 disclosed that the first cohort of the PQI Programme at Dabokpa Technical Institute recorded 253 graduates, with 149 securing industry placement opportunities across multiple sectors. In addition, more than 40 graduates received start-up kits, while five were supported with seed funding of one thousand dollars each to launch their own businesses.
Madam Gavor revealed that close to 40 nursing mothers were part of the first cohort, a number that has risen to nearly 100 in the ongoing second cohort. This growing participation informed the decision to establish a dedicated nursery.
The idea for the facility was proposed by the Principal of the institute, Mariama Mahama, after concerns were raised about the safety of children who were often present in training spaces such as fashion and hospitality laboratories.
The request received support from the Founder and President of Accents and Arts, Constance Swaniker, whose intervention made the refurbishment possible.
Addressing the gathering, Principal Mariama Mahama emphasised the need for gender inclusion in technical education, stressing that Ghana’s development goals in TVET cannot be achieved without actively supporting women.
“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, describing it as a major relief. A software development trainee and nursing mother, Shaibu Hamdiya, expressed gratitude for the support.
“The major barrier has been removed. Being a mother should not prevent anyone from learning a trade to become a better person,” she said, adding that the bursary support would help ease their financial challenges.
The nursery is expected to improve retention, participation and performance among female trainees, particularly young mothers who often struggle to balance caregiving and education.
