Fathers take spotlight at workshop today

In a move to promote fatherhood and boost parenting skills across Jamaica, the National Parenting Support Commission (NPSC) is launching its groundbreaking 'Men Who Mentor' campaign today at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston.

CEO at the NPSC, Kaysia Kerr, said that the Men Who Mentor initiative is a pivotal step in the NPSC's overarching mission to foster positive parenting dynamics within Jamaican households.

"We recognise the vital role of fathers in child development and family stability. The campaign seeks to engage men from diverse backgrounds, equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed to become effective mentors and fathers," she said.

The presenters include Archbishop of Kingston, the Most Reverend Kenneth Richards; lecturer at The University of the West Indies, Dr Herbert Gayle; and psychologist Dr Ainsley Deer.

Kerr said that approximately 100 men, some of whom are already enrolled in the NPSC's Parent Mentorship Programme, will participate in this event, adding that "the intention is to build their capacities, through training modules, in effective parenting to improve their own parenting skills as they provide mentorship to prospective fathers (teenage boys)".

Data gathered by the NPSC reveal that many Jamaican men express a preference for training and engagement led by fellow men, perceiving such interactions as non-threatening and more conducive to learning. This preference stems from a widespread belief that sessions led by women can sometimes be perceived as demoralising or confrontational, particularly in households where men are less involved in parenting responsibilities.