When Fathers Are Involved, Everybody Wins

Petro and Pendo are proud parents of little Daines, a 3-year-old bundle of energy residing in serene Msanga Village, in the heart of Dodoma Region, Tanzania. What makes this family’s journey truly remarkable is Petro’s unwavering involvement in every step of Daines’ growth, both mentally and physically, from the moment she was born.

Petro holds his daughter Daines. Since she was born, he has been a proactive participant in her life. Photo: EGPAF 2023

While it has been the traditional norm for men to leave child-rearing to their wives, Petro decided to be more than just a spectator in his child’s life: he’s a proactive participant. In fact, Petro has become a regular attendee at the monthly visits conducted by Elizabeth Chibelenje, a dedicated community health worker in their village.

Elizabeth’s knowledge and guidance—nurtured through the Kizazi Kijacho early childhood development project—have been instrumental in Petro’s journey. Elizabeth was captivated by Petro’s involvement, which began even before Daines saw the light of day.

Assigned to work directly with expectant mothers in the community, Elizabeth became an essential source of wisdom for Petro and Pendo. She skillfully imparted crucial insights, from recognizing pregnancy danger signs to fostering interaction with Daines while she was still nestled in her mother’s womb to taking daily folic acid supplements.

Daines sitting in her mother Pendo’s lap during an early childhood development session. Photo: EGPAF 2023

But Elizabeth’s influence didn’t stop there. She counseled the couple on ways to encourage Daine’s cognitive development.

After Daines was born Petro and Pendo were determined to create a vibrant environment for their child. They crafted colorful toys from everyday items found in their home—transforming water bottles, beads, colorful clothes, and sticks into playtime treasures. When Pendo was preoccupied with household chores, Petro seized the moment, engaging Daines in playful adventures with these lovingly handmade toys.

Petro plays with his baby daughter, Daines, while being visited by community health workers. Photo: EGPAF 2023

“These visits from community health workers have been a game-changer,” says Petro. “The knowledge I’ve gained about early childhood development has not only deepened my bond with my daughter but has also equipped me to be an active and confident partner in her growth journey.”

“Daines’ remarkable bond with his father has sculpted an unbreakable friendship,” says Naike Chawachi, project coordinator for the Kizazi Kijacho project. “Her eyes light up with pure joy every time she’s in her father’s presence. The shared moments of exploration and learning have not only created a profound sense of safety and love but have also nurtured Daines’ self-esteem.”

Petro’s journey showcases the important difference fathers can make in their child’s early years. It’s a testament to the fact that when fathers actively engage, everyone wins.

“The knowledge I’ve gained about early childhood development has not only deepened my bond with my daughter but has also equipped me to be an active and confident partner in her growth journey.”

Special thanks to the generous funding from Swedish Research Council, Norwegian Research Council, European Research Council, Templeton Foundation, FAIR/NHH, and British Academy. Their support has brought to life the interventions that are shaping young lives and creating brighter futures. EGPAF, in collaboration with sub-partner D-tree International, has harnessed this momentum by introducing innovative digital health solutions and empowering community volunteers, enhancing early childhood development services in the Dodoma region.