Clothing care practices of students in Dabokpa Technical Institute and Vitin Senior High School in Tamale

Abstract

The study was conducted at Dabokpa Technical Institute and Vitin Senior High School in Tamale Metropolis. The purpose of the study was to investigate the clothing care and maintenance practices of Dabokpa Technical Institute in Tamale and to assess their awareness of appropriate clothing care and maintenance methods. The descriptive research design was used for the study. One hundred (100) students were sampled from Dabokpa Technical and another one hundred (100) from Vitin Senior High School. The technique used in selecting the samples was the lottery method from both schools and they were analyzed and compared. The instrument used in collecting data was the questionnaire and this was made up in five sections. The study found that students did not have knowledge, and they were not familiar with clothing care label information and that students used inappropriate clothing care methods. Also, it was discovered that students did not know the correct procedure for laundry of clothes. Based on the findings it was therefore recommended that the Clothing and Textiles teachers should organize workshops and seminars for students in order to educate them on skills involved in proper procedures for the laundry of clothes (washing and ironing) procedures, and storage practices. Leaflet which provides information on clothing care label, laundry and storage procedures should be provided alongside with periodic education for all the students. Demonstration lessons on proper clothing care practices and how to repair damage clothes should be organised periodically. Teachers and parents should periodically monitor clothing storage practices of their wards at school and at home and if possible, support them with functional clothing care facilities or devices in the boarding houses for laundry (washing and ironing), drying and storage of clothing.