10th session of the “Father of Change” Programme. Photo:Fokupers Lens. Date: 4/7/2026
Namolesso, 4 July 2026 – Fokupers continued with its 10th session of the “Father of Change” Program, which involves 15 couples in Namolesso Village, Lequidoe Administrative Post, Aileu Municipality. The program aims to strengthen the role of fathers and parents in building healthy, equal, and violence-free families.
In this 10th session, participants explored the theme of “Parental Impact,” encouraging parents to reflect on how their past experiences with their parents, have shaped their lives today, as well as how those experiences influence the way they care for their own children.
Through various reflection activities and group discussions, participants were encouraged to identify the positive and negative influences they received from their parents. They then discuss the values, attitudes, and behaviors they wish to pass on to their children, while also identifying parenting patterns that need to change to prevent negative impacts on the next generation.
This session also helped participants develop a shared vision of the family they envisioned. By understanding past experiences and learning from these reflections, parents are encouraged to create a loving and safe family environment that supports optimal child growth and development.
Fokupers emphasizes the important role of healthy parenting practices in child development. Further, positive parenting patterns are an effective way to prevent domestic violence and promote family relationships based on respect, equality, good communication, and mutual support.
The 10th session of the “Father of Change” Program was facilitated by Sra. Lucia Fátima da Silva and Mr. Silveiro da Silva de Araújo, facilitators who have undergone special training to implement the program. Through a participatory approach, facilitators encourage participants to share experiences, learn from each other, and strengthen their commitment to building more harmonious and equal families.
The “Fathers for Change” program is an initiative by Fokupers to increase the involvement of men as fathers and partners in creating healthy family relationships, supporting child well-being, and promoting gender equality at the family and community levels.
In addition, Fokupers also shared playful learning activities with children to give parents space to actively participate. Fifteen children actively participated, learning the values of equality, mutual respect, and living without violence from an early age.
The program is funded by Misereor with technical support from The Asia Foundation – Nabilan and NGO HAMNASA.
