UG Crèche and Early Childhood Learning Centre Inaugurated

05 Apr, 2016by skdagudetse

Prof. Ernest Aryeetey, unveiling a plaque to mark the inauguration of the UG Crèche and Early Childhood Learning Centre

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ernest Aryeetey, has inaugurated the University of Ghana Crèche and Early Childhood Learning Centre. The Centre, called The BabyNest started operating in 2015 and is under the management of The BabyNest Company Ltd.

Prof. Aryeetey noted that the facility is an expression of the commitment of the University of Ghana to staff and students, while ensuring that all internal and external stakeholders receive the needed support to become more productive to help achieve the mission of the University. He congratulated the Management and staff of The BabyNest for the hard work and diligence in increasing the enrolment of pupils as well as in sustaining the brand. He assured them of the University’s collaboration and support to address challenges affecting the smooth operation of the Centre.

Mrs. Mercy Haizel-Ashia, Registrar

The Registrar of the University, Mrs. Mercy Haizel-Ashia in a welcome address, said the facility was a direct result of an idea mooted by the fellows and Alumni of Volta Hall to provide a crèche facility to mothers who worked or studied on the University campus. She noted that Management of University of Ghana in its strategic plan under the section ‘Internal Stakeholders’, were concerned about the social and economic pressures and challenges facing members of the University community. Hence, the building of the facility, was a bold statement of the University’s commitment to the welfare of its internal stakeholders so that each member has a role to play in achieving the goals of the University. While thanking those who in diverse ways worked hard to complete the project, Mrs. Haizel-Ashia was optimistic that the facility would truly serve the needs of many employees, students and visitors to the University of Ghana.

Prof. Esther Sakyi-Dawson, Chairperson of the Crèche Committee

Prof. Esther Sakyi-Dawson, Chairperson of the Crèche Committee recounted the procurement process that led to the commencement of the project. She lauded former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Clifford Tagoe, under whose tenure the proposal for putting up the facility was approved for work to begin.

She indicated that the School which started operation in April 2015, had enrolled 145 pupils as at the end of September 2015, adding that by February 2016 enrolment had increased to 167 babies and children.

Prof. Sakyi-Dawson also referred to an existing day care facility by the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences Early Childhood Learning Laboratory which unlike the BabyNest learning Centre is limited to children aged between 2 – 4 years.

She thanked the Registrar for setting up the Crèche committee which proposed a public-private arrangement to enable the pre-school become self-sustaining and self-financing.

Mr. Eben-Kay Hodo, Managing Director of the BabyNest

In his address, the Managing Director of The BabyNest Company Limited, Mr. Eben-Kay Hodo, said the inauguration marked an important milestone in the life of The BabyNest. He indicated that the BabyNest Company Limited began pre-school child care and development services 10 years ago, and that in addition to the University of Ghana facility, the company runs its flagship facility at Dansoman.

Mr. Hodo said that the 167 pupils enrolled at the facility, were children of ages 3 months to 4 years, out of which 93 are children of staff and students of the University of Ghana.

He made a passionate appeal to Management of the University for permission to extend the facility to accommodate more children from the teeming number on wait list, as well as put up an infirmary, Library/e-Learning Centre, Offices and rooms for co-curricular skills development activities. He further appealed for the speedy completion of the perimeter fence and the grounds work at the facility to ensure complete security and safety.

Mr. Hodo thanked the University of Ghana for identifying them as competent partner, to run its Early Childhood Care and Development Centre and assured the University community of unflinching commitment to providing a first class early childhood development and care experiences for the children.

The children performing at the inauguration

As part of the ceremony there were performances from the children of the Centre.

Rev. Fr. Wisdom Larweh, dedicating the facility

The Parochial Administrator of the St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Legon, Rev. Fr. Wisdom Larweh, dedicated the facility to the Lord. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ernest Aryeetey unveiled a plaque to formally open the Centre. Guests were later conducted round the facility.

Members of the Crèche Committee, Mrs. Angela Awere-Kyere, Head of the Procurement, Dr. Vivian Tackie-Ofosu, Lecturer at the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, Mr. Alfred Codjoe-Allotey, Head of the University Basic School, Mr. Sam Asare, a Quantity Surveyor as well as the Secretary to the committee, Mrs. Barbara Blankson were present at the ceremony.

Also in attendance were the Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Stella Amoa, the Director of the Sports Directorate, Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu, the Warden of Volta Hall, Mrs. Christy Badu, Senior Tutor of Volta Hall, Dr. Mrs. Eureka Adomako, Deputy Director of PDMSD, Mr. Charles Kofinti, Management and Staff of The Babynest, Parents, and some staff of the University and invited guests.