| The role of Fatherhood is imperative and unique to the building and restoration of a better society; the essence of Fatherhood is one that is indispensible, unmatched and most necessary especially at this moment.Some of the attendees of the “My Father, My Friend,” forum hosted by the MAB, at Impeccable Banquet Hall, last Sunday evening.This notion was shared by the men who attended the Father’s Day forum hosted by the Men’s Affairs Bureau, (MAB) of the Ministry of Social Protection, last Sunday evening at the Impeccable Banquet Hall, Brickdam.The programme, which was presented under the umbrella “My Father, My Friend” was a showcase for men and women across cultural differences.The event saw theatrical performances, drama, music, dance, and other art forms being presented in a manner to engage and address issues affecting men, particularly fathers. The forum also featured an interactive segment in relation to the theme.The presentations came from famed local radio drama, Merundoi , the National Dance Company, the Mocha Men’s Group, Dominion dancers , and the Guyana Police Force Steel Orchestra.The speakers included Junior Minister of Health, Dr. Karen Cummings; Bishop Francis Alleyne, of the Catholic Diocese of Guyana; the leadership of First Assemblies of God Men’s Ministry, headed by Pastor John Smith; Pandit Iswhar and his family; and Moulana Magat.Dr. Cummings encouraged that Fathers continually forge a relationship with their children and be exemplary examples for them.“Fathers, you are endowed with the greatness to communicate by example. Do not ever underestimate this power you possess. The imprints Fathers leave on their children’s minds are immeasurable, chartering not just their career, but their life course,” Dr. Cummings said.The religious leaders in their presentations emphasized that faith-based organisations, are pertinent in molding,Jerseys NFL Wholesale, guiding and helping to strengthen “men folk,” to fulfill their responsibility as leaders and mentors in society.During a live taping of the television programme “Choices,” which was hosted by the First Assemblies of God team, the audience received useful tips on how to become better parents and mentors to their own children and even to those in their neighbourhood.Pastor Smith especially charged those in attendance to be keen in their influence and empowerment of the men and boys in their care.“The empowerment of women will not change but we need to broaden the horizon to empower the men,” he said.The programme featured an interactive session which afforded participants the opportunity to share their perspective of the topic of Fatherhood, and recommend means by which men can play better roles as fathers.One person in particular noted the importance of friendship between fathers and sons or daughters.“Fathers must learn to speak positively to their children and follow with their actions; to converse with them, expose them, encourage their creativity and nurture their confidence. Impart in them the wisdom the need for future generations,” he encouraged.Administrator of MAB, Mr. Diego Alphonso, said that the purpose of the programme seeks to celebrate and recognize the importance of Fatherhood and promote bonding between Fathers and their children, not only at the event but for the rest of their lives.He noted that the activity is in keeping with the mandate of the Men’s Affairs Unit to engage in helping and encouraging men and boys to realize and fulfill their true potential as fathers, husbands, brothers, partners and positive role models in communities and across the country.The Men’s Affairs Bureau, (MAB) of the Ministry of Social Protection has been hosting Father’s Day programmes annually. Last year, the unit hosted its “Like Father, Like Son” event at the Auditorium of St. Stanislaus College, Brickdam. |
