This Father’s Day blog honors fathers and celebrates fatherhood, paternal bonds and the influence of fathers in Tanzanian society. It is good to see families throughout Tanzania celebrating Father’s Day as it is an occasion that reminds us of the responsibilities that fathers have in shaping children into individuals who are capable, giving and nurturing. Fathers also teach their children to embrace various roles in life and take on responsibility.
AfricAid Dads
Asantael beams with pride about his daughter.
There are two fathers who work as drivers for AfricAid: Asantael in Moshi and Oscar in Arusha. Their work with AfricAid has influenced how they see girls’ empowerment and has therefore affected their relationship with their own young daughters.
“When I look at the strong women I work with and think about my own daughter, Angel, I am proud to be a father as I am nurturing a leader. I really believe girls can be leaders, girls are capable and girls can transform communities,” says Asantael.
Kaka (Brother) Oscar, a father of four, becomes animated when he speaks of his children. “Fathering is a beautiful and meaningful journey, and I am proud to be a father. It’s not about the size of the family, but the strength of the bond with my children that matters more to me.” Read more about Oscar Chengelela here.
Staff Reflections
Binti Shupavu Mentor, Dianarose Mboya, with her father and godfather at graduation.
Some of our staff at AfricAid do not have fathers that are involved in their everyday lives, but their minds travel to important men in their lives that have acted like fathers and were always there for them. Some have fathers that have passed away, but they remember them with fond memories.
Kisa Mentor Salma’s strong bond with her father is evident as she descibes her relationship with him. “My father has taught me so much. He is my friend and role model. He has taught me to be kind, God fearing and to be ready to forgive. He is a man who is satisfied with what he has, and I admire that in him.”
Verynice, another Kisa Mentor, reflects on her father from a distance in time. “He wished all the best for his children. He was tough with discipline, but he shaped me into who I am now. He used to say “No” for the right reasons, and “Yes” for the right reasons. I understand this now.”
Finally, Rachel, a Binti Shupavu Mentor sums up a father’s role by saying, “a father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow.”
AfricAid wishes all the fathers, godfathers and men who act as father-figures a very Happy Father’s Day. We love you and thank you for all that you have done for your children.
Contributed by: Subira Manyama, Kisa Mentor & Alumna
