MoHERST validates strategic roadmap to establish crèche facilities in Gambia’s tertiary institutions

The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (MoHERST) has taken a groundbreaking step to support women and promote inclusivity in higher education with the validation of the Final Draft Roadmap and Strategy for the establishment of crèche facilities.
The initiative, reviewed during a one-day workshop on December 31, 2024, brought together stakeholders from various institutions to address critical gaps in childcare support for student mothers in tertiary and higher education.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology, Deputy Permanent Secretary Technical Mucktarr M. Y. Darboe highlighted the ministry’s commitment to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment within educational institutions.
He emphasized that access to quality education must extend beyond classrooms and encompass essential support systems like crèche facilities, which are vital for advancing equity and inclusion.
Darboe also noted that the roadmap aligns with MoHERST’s broader mission to drive structural transformation and foster innovation while addressing social and economic challenges.
He called on stakeholders to contribute their expertise and ideas to refine the strategy, ensuring it becomes a practical tool for implementation.
The initiative, he said, reflects a strategic necessity rather than a developmental goal, signaling a shift toward prioritizing the holistic needs of students and staff in higher education.
Project Consultant Dr. Kenneth O. Igharo underscored the urgency of the project, revealing that no crèche facilities currently exist within the country’s tertiary institutions.
He explained that this gap leaves many student mothers without adequate support, a challenge the roadmap seeks to address through evidence-based policy development. He further highlighted the potential of the initiative to streamline existing childcare services and align them with national development goals.
Stakeholders, including Lamin Fatty, National Coordinator of the Child Protection Alliance, welcomed the initiative as a crucial step for women’s empowerment and child development.
Fatty praised the decision to situate these facilities within tertiary institutions, calling it a move in the right direction and emphasizing the need for robust systems to ensure sustainability and effectiveness.
The validation workshop, chaired by MoHERST Project Focal Person Fatou Janneh, marked a significant milestone in the ministry’s efforts to close gaps in the education sector.
The roadmap, once implemented, is expected to create a supportive ecosystem for student mothers, improve retention rates, and foster a fairer and more inclusive education system in The Gambia.