In November last year, the Axim Technical Institute hosted a sod-cutting ceremony that marked a turning point for boarding students in the Nzema area. The event drew a cross-section of the community: students from basic and secondary schools, heads of educational institutions, traditional chiefs, major donors, and past schoolmates of The Haven Place Foundation’s Chief Executive. In a moving moment, the Chief Executive was presented with a citation in recognition of her impact on education and community development.
On that same day, the Foundation donated 50 beds to the school. This was not a planned gesture but a rapid response to an urgent need uncovered during a prior site visit. The assessment revealed that in the girls’ dormitory, students were forced to place mattresses directly on the floor to sleep. The lack of beds affected not only physical comfort but also health and dignity, compounding the challenges faced by boarding students already under pressure to succeed academically.
Initially, the Foundation’s plan was to construct a single dormitory for girls. However, in consultation with school authorities and after assessing the broader need, the scope was expanded to build two dormitories, one for girls and one for boys. In addition, two housemasters’ bungalows are being constructed to provide on-site accommodation for staff responsible for supervising and supporting boarding students. These bungalows will strengthen student welfare by ensuring staff are readily available to manage discipline, respond to emergencies, and offer mentorship.
Construction of the dormitories and bungalows has progressed steadily and is on track for completion in September 2025. Once completed, these facilities will directly improve living conditions for hundreds of boarding students and enhance the overall management of boarding life at the institute.
Across Ghana, poor living conditions in many boarding schools are a silent barrier to learning. Overcrowded rooms, inadequate bedding, poor ventilation, and limited sanitation facilities undermine student well-being. When students lack safe and comfortable accommodation, they face disrupted sleep, increased illness, and reduced capacity to focus in class. These conditions are particularly harsh for girls, who may also face safety concerns and the lack of privacy needed for managing personal hygiene.
Improving boarding facilities is not just an infrastructure project; it is an educational intervention. Healthy, well-rested students are better equipped to concentrate, retain information, and perform in examinations. Modern dormitories with adequate bedding, ventilation, and sanitation, combined with staff housing for effective supervision, help foster a stable environment where students can devote their energy to learning rather than coping with discomfort.
The Axim Technical Institute project demonstrates how targeted investment in school infrastructure can produce both immediate and long-term benefits. The initial provision of 50 beds gave an instant boost to living standards, while the upcoming dormitories and housemasters’ bungalows will offer a sustainable solution for decades to come.
For donors, this is an opportunity to address a root cause of underperformance among boarding students in Ghana. Contributions can accelerate completion timelines, equip dormitories with quality furniture, and ensure accompanying facilities such as washrooms, study areas, and staff housing meet modern standards. The return on investment is clear: better living conditions lead to improved attendance, stronger academic outcomes, and a more positive school experience.
With the September 2025 completion date approaching, the Axim Technical Institute stands on the brink of a transformation that will set a precedent for student welfare in the region. Donor support will ensure that this transformation is not only completed on time but also delivered to a standard that truly honours the potential of every student who will call these dormitories and the improved boarding facilities home.