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PVTS empowers mothers of children with special needs through free skills training

Thara Brigitte Mills among some the students

Tue, 5 May 2026 Source: Party Tree Vocational Training School

Mothers of children with special needs have received free vocational training in pastry making, local dishes and other income-generating skills, thanks to an initiative by the Party Tree Vocational Training School (PVTS).

The training programme, held on May 4, 2026, forms part of activities following the recent Autism Awareness Month, aimed at supporting caregivers who often face economic challenges due to the demanding nature of caring for children with special needs.

Chief Executive Officer of PVTS, Thara Brigitte Mills, explained that the initiative was designed to equip mothers with employable skills to help them earn a living while caring for their children.

“We know the cost of therapy is high, and it is difficult for many mothers to leave their children to go out and work. So, we decided to train them to gain employable skills,” she said.

She added that the institution would not abandon participants after the training.

“We will monitor their interests and help them develop those skills further,” she assured.

According to her, PVTS, an accredited Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution, has extensive experience in teaching pastry making and food preparation.

“This programme was specifically for the mothers, so we did not charge any fees,” she noted.

Despite the programme’s success, Mills highlighted transportation costs as a major challenge.

“Many people from far places wanted to attend but could not afford the transport fare,” she said.

A nutritionist with Shapes and Ideas Health Service at Tantra Hill, Marthalois Adu Addison, also educated participants on healthy eating habits.

She advised mothers to eat their last meal earlier in the evening.

“Eat when there is still sunlight, around 4 to 5 p.m and that should be your last meal. For those who sleep late, include more protein so the food stays longer before digestion,” she explained.

Head of the National Assessment and Resource Centre for Children with Disabilities and Special Institutional Needs, Hajia Ramatu Alhassan, praised the initiative.

“I am happy to see these mothers learning skills to support themselves and care for their children. Their participation has been impressive, and the environment here is neat and modern,” she said.

Chief chef Abdul Razat Alhassan indicated that participants were trained in multiple areas, including soap making, American doughnuts, and other pastries.

Some beneficiaries, including Joyce Kumah, Akua Adobeah Twumasiwaa, and Abigail, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, describing the programme as impactful and life-changing.

The programme, themed “Empowering Special Needs Parents through Skills Development,” reflects a growing effort to promote inclusivity and economic independence among caregivers.