REPORT ON THE LAUNCH OF THE DOMESTIC ASSISTANTSHIP PROGRAMME (DAP)

INTRODUCTION

The Students’ Financial Support Office (StuFSO) of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) successfully launched the Domestic Assistantship Programme (DAP) on Wednesday, 26th November 2025, at 8:30 a.m. at the Campus Broadcasting Services (CBS). The programme was introduced as part of the University’s commitment to supporting needy but brilliant students by creating income-generating opportunities while offering practical domestic assistance to Staff who are in the Senior Membership (Teaching and Non-Teaching) Category.

The launch highlighted the University’s dedication to promoting student empowerment, academic focus, and community collaboration. This initiative marks a significant step in addressing financial challenges faced by students while strengthening the overall efficiency of the academic community.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

During the launch, speakers emphasised that the Domestic Assistantship Programme seeks to:

• Provide meaningful and dignified employment opportunities for needy but brilliant students.

• Support staff by easing their domestic responsibilities.

• Promote a collaborative and harmonious academic community.

• Foster strong work ethics, responsibility, and practical life skills among students.

• Enhance student–staff interaction, mentorship, and mutual support.

DAP is positioned as a sustainable intervention that benefits both students and faculty while contributing to the University’s mission of holistic development.

RESOURCE PERSONS

Three resource persons who facilitated the launch were:

• Dr. Grace Mensah – Head, Students’ Financial Support Office

• Dr. Gloria Tachie-Donkor – Senior Assistant Librarian & Head, Client Services Department, Sam Jonah Library

• Ms. Esther Dede Azzu – Chief Administrative Assistant, Students’ Financial Support Office

The resource persons were present at the launch and subsequently interviewed on the programme’s purpose, impact, and implementation. Their participation reinforced the credibility and institutional importance of the initiative. After the formal launch, the resource persons engaged in an interview at CBS and addressed the following questions:

Dr.  Grace Mensah officially introduced the Domestic Assistantship Programme, explaining that it was developed to support financially challenged students while assisting lecturers with time-consuming domestic tasks. She stated that the programme aligns with UCC’s commitment to creating pathways for student success and fostering inclusive academic growth.

Dr. Gloria Tachie-Donkor highlighted the programme’s holistic impact on students. She emphasised that tasks such as car washing, lawn maintenance, and household chores would help students build responsibility, discipline, and resilience. She praised the initiative for bridging academic learning with practical skill development.

Ms. Esther Dede Azzu commended the programme’s structure, particularly the two-phase system of placement and follow-up. She explained that the monitoring phase would ensure accountability and foster smooth working relationships between students and lecturers. She encouraged students to participate with dedication and professionalism.

The responses given during the interview sessions clarified the objective of the programme and encouraged participation from both students and faculty. The entire programme, including Placement Phase, Follow-Up and Monitoring Phase and Routine check-ins, was explained in detail during the launch.

CONCLUSION

The launch of the Domestic Assistantship Programme marks a significant milestone in UCC’s ongoing efforts to promote student welfare and institutional efficiency. The programme reflects the University’s commitment to holistic student development, financial support, and effective collaboration within the academic community. The ceremony at CBS successfully introduced the initiative to students, staff, and the wider UCC community, setting a strong foundation for its implementation. The Students’ Financial Support Office remains committed to ensuring that the programme operates smoothly and benefits all stakeholders.