KNYSNA NEWS - The Knysna Alcohol and Drug Centre (KADC) in association with Heartlines hosted the Fathers Matter Workshop: A Week of Empowering Men and Transforming Lives last week, from 10 to 13 July.
Heartlines representatives Brett Anderson and Nkosinathi Sixabayi took the stage and participated in interactive sessions with the audience.
Heartlines is an organisation that promotes the active and beneficial involvement of dads in the lives of their children.
While inviting participants to share their personal tales of fulfilling parenthood experiences, they gave priceless insights.
Their study emphasises the value of fathers' active engagement, since kids who don't have dads around are far more likely to face problems like domestic violence, drug abuse, teenage pregnancy and mental health issues.
"It was an exciting programme despite the heavy subject," says Marshall Laminie of KADC, who initiated the programme.
"It was a powerful session for all the stakeholders involved and we believe that the work of this programme can stretch far beyond the walls of the Town Hall. We were looking at young people who lack mentors in the community and we felt that it was time to prioritise a programme such as this."
Nkosonathi Sixabayi and Brett Anderson of the Heartlines organisation, delivering inspirational messages about the importance of strong male role models in the community.
The week-long programme was filled with talks and presentations by leaders in the community that shed light on the topics.
The programme began at the Town Hall on Monday in which firefighters and members of the cleansing department engaged with the audience on the importance of positive male role models in the community. The evening programme included a talk by religious representatives from the Hornlee community and members of the public.
The workshops continued in Rheenendal on Tuesday evening, in Sedgefield on Wednesday morning and concluded on Thursday at Chris Nissen Hall in Knysna.
KADC thanks Liezl Baadjies of the Knysna Municipality and Ouma' s Pantry for helping with the soup drive, and Ridwaan Omar for contributing to the success of the event. Based on the success and positive feedback on the programme, KADC wants to develop the programme in future.
The Fathers Matter workshop included members of the fire response services and other municipal workers to serve as positive male role models.
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