By Ndabateze Jean Bosco
On this Wednesday 12th June 2024, marked the beginning of the graduation ceremonies in Gatsibo District for young fathers participating in the REAL (Responsible, Engaged and Loving) Fathers project. This evidence-based parenting initiative addresses critical issues such as violence against children, parenting and intimate partner violence.
In a significant milestone, 16 couples entered into civil marriages as part of an initiative to build safer, conflict-free families. During the REAL Fathers project’s 2023/2024 cohort, a total of 480 fathers will graduate from Gatsibo, Bugesera and Nyaruguru Districts.
Over the course of its 7-month mentoring programme, young fathers in the REAL Fathers project were trained on 7 key themes:
Fatherhood
Becoming a REAL Father
Family Dreams
Loving My Family
Communication
Family Planning
Parenting
The REAL Fathers project is implemented by Plan International Rwanda in partnership with Georgetown University under the Gender Transformative Programming for Advancing Care for Children in Adversity project funded by USAID through JSI.