Written by: Heartlines – The Centre for Values Promotion
Article source: www.heartlines.org.za

In a country where only 36,4% of children live in the same home as their biological fathers (Stats SA, 2018), Father’s Day can bring up painful, difficult emotions that remind many of the absence of their fathers. While this statistic doesn’t include fathers living outside the home who are actively involved in their children’s lives, and the invaluable role played by social fathers who can joyfully be celebrated on Father’s Day: cousins, uncles, grandfathers, pastors and older brothers, to name a few, it is nevertheless a reminder that positively present fathers are sorely needed in South Africa.

Heartlines’ Fathers Matter programme aims to promote the positive presence of men in the lives of children in three ways. Firstly, by elevating the conversation on the important role that fathers and father figures play in the well-being of children. Secondly, by providing accessible information on fathering-related skills to men who want to be present in the lives of their children; and, finally, by developing programmes that support men to mentor other men in places of faith, workplaces and other settings where men gather.

“I really believe in the message that we are communicating, which is ultimately an invitation to society to see the stories that affirm the role that fathers can play in society. I also want to say to fathers: “We see you. You matter. You have a role to play – let’s do it together. I’m sure you’ve got lots of questions, like I do. But you don’t have to try and figure this thing out by yourself,” says Mahlatse Mashua, CEO of the Kolisi Foundation and faith-based leader, explaining his decision to become a Fathers Matter Ambassador.

Fathers who are interested in learning practical parenting skills can sign up for age-specific tips via the Fathers Matter WhatsApp platform. If they are looking for a community where they can talk about their fatherhood related trials, questions and triumphs, they can form an in-person or online connect group based on the free Connect Group resources that are available on the Fathers Matter website, or they can join the Fathers Matter Champions Facebook group. The Fathers Matter website also has articles, videos, tips and other resources available for fathers and those working with fathers.

“The Fathers Matter initiative is the first intervention of its kind in South Africa that seeks to inspire one million fathers in South Africa to be actively and positively involved in the lives of their children in the next three years through our films and resources,” says Fathers Matter Project Manager, Pamela Kgare.

How to become part of the Fathers Matter movement:

  • Get quick parenting tips from the Fathers Matter WhatsApp platform. Whats- App “hi” to 060 058 2107.
  •  Access the Fathers Matter Connect Group Resources. Get some fathers together and work through this material together. Visit: www.heartlines.org.za/fathers-matter/connect-group-resources
  • Join the Fathers Matter Champions Facebook community. This is a safe space for fathers to learn, discuss and encourage.
    To join, search for “Fathers Matter Champions” on Facebook.

About Heartlines: Heartlines, the Centre for Values Promotion, is a South African not-forprofit company that specialises in edutainment-based mass social change programming to inform and tackle issues that are of major societal relevance and which lend themselves to values-based approaches. www.heartlines.org.za

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Date published: 18/06/2021
Feature image: Image for illustrative purposes only.

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