In this podcast Kyeezi chats to Svinurayi “Shuwa” Gonera. He plays the role of Litha in one of the films this weekend, called Airwalker. 

Fathers Matter is a Heartlines initiative to promote the positive and active presence of fathers in children’s lives. Men can be physically present, but not there emotionally for their children. They can also be present, but have a negative effect on their children. On the other hand, men can be physically apart from their children, but still be positively and emotionally involved in their lives. Positive, active and involved men are not necessarily biological fathers; they can also be “social fathers” like extended family members, grandfathers, community leaders and other father figures. 

Research shows that children who grow up without good male role models are at risk of becoming victims or perpetrators of violence, illness, drug and alcohol abuse, teenage pregnancy, not doing well at school, and negative economic outcomes when they are older. 

However, these are risks, not something that will definitely happen. It’s never too late for relationships to be built or fixed, and for fathers to have a positive influence in their children’s lives – no matter their age.