On September 30, communities in Togo's northern region came together to celebrate Father's Day, an initiative led by SOS Villages d'enfants, with financial support from SOS Villages d'enfants France and the Agence française de développement (AFD). The events, part of the "Approche régionale pour la protection de l'enfance et de la jeunesse (ARPEJ)" project, aimed to honor fathers, guardians, and other paternal figures for their vital role in families and society. The celebrations included conferences, debates, testimonies, and traditional performances.
The events brought together members of local father clubs and community actors in Kountone, Tchabigou, and Natchème. A key conference-debate discussed the role and involvement of fathers in children's education, while testimonies and experience-sharing sessions highlighted successful practices. Sketches emphasized the importance of dialogue within families and children's education. The gatherings concluded with popular festivities, showcasing the significance of this special day.
According to Mme Bamboma Lorempo Kalanfei, project animator at Kountone, the initiative seeks to strengthen fathers' involvement in family life and promote positive parenting practices for the benefit of children and young people. By valuing their contributions, engagements, and responsibilities within households, the project encourages the sharing of good practices in positive parenting, in the best interest of children.
Mme Bamboma noted that the project has brought positive changes to families' daily lives. She stated that men are now more involved, communicate better with their wives and children, and that physical violence has significantly decreased, making women happier in their homes. This progress demonstrates the project's effectiveness in fostering healthier family relationships.
M. Yankome Djatedja, a member of Kountone's father club, emphasized the crucial role of fathers in their children's education. He credited the ARPEJ project with transforming him and other men into responsible parents, committed to promoting positive parenting practices throughout their village and canton. Djatedja described the initiative as "salvatrice" for their children.
The celebrations in Kountone, Tchabigou, and Natchème reflect a growing recognition of the importance of fathers in shaping their children's lives. By engaging men in positive parenting practices, the ARPEJ project aims to create a more supportive and nurturing environment for children to grow and thrive. This approach is expected to have a lasting impact on family dynamics and community development.
As Togo continues to prioritize the well-being of its children and young people, initiatives like the ARPEJ project and Father's Day celebrations will likely play a vital role in promoting positive change. By working together, communities, organizations, and governments can help create a brighter future for the country's next generation.
Key points
- The ARPEJ project's focus on positive parenting practices has led to a significant decrease in physical violence and improved family relationships in participating communities.
