Training course empowers fathers
Lavender Hill fathers and caregivers had the opportunity to take part in a three-day fatherhood training course to stretch their knowledge and help navigate their role in the family, build a strong relationship with their partner, and be an active participant in raising their children.
The course took place on Saturdays May 6, 13 and 20, with the graduation being held on the last day.
The Parent Centre, in Wynberg, partnered with SALT, an eight-month old community based organisation, in Pelican Park, to empower the fathers in the community.
Fabian Youde, chairperson of SALT, said being a father comes with a lot of responsibility.
The fathers were guided through empowering and uncomfortable conversations.
“This generation of men need to take decisive action to ensure that we change society's ideas of what it means to be a man. We learn from our mistakes. We want to go home to support and love our women and children,” said Mr Youde.
“The fathers gave me hope as men opened up during this course. One father said he went to jail for hitting his child who was on drugs. This is one of many challenges men face out there.”
Shuaib Salie, facilitator of the course, said: “The fatherhood training focuses on the role of the father in the family, building a relationship with his partner, and being actively involved in raising his children. It also recognises that some fathers are co-parents or single fathers.”
Some of the sessions covered topics such as identity of men and fathers, role of the father as a financial provider, role of the father as a caregiver, strengthening relationships with children and the father as a role model and violence prevention.
The first fatherhood training course was held in Mitchell’s Plain, then Lavender Hill, and the next course will be held in Pelican Park, on Saturday June 10, 17 and 24.
For more information or to book a spot contact Mr Youde at 065 277 4910 or Mr Salie at 064 161 4158 or email shuaib@theparentcentre.org.za