26 Jun 2023

Caring fathers are the most unsung, unpraised and unnoticed yet one of the most valuable assets in the society.

This sentiment was shared by Assistant Minister of Health, Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe at the third  edition of this year’s fathers' day special seminar themed, Fathers': Men of substance, held at Tatisiding on Saturday.

“Indeed a father is a very special person in the family unit whose impact can be felt from family level and to national level. The impact of a father is the most powerful in a family setup,” Mr Lelatisitswe said.

He therefore, implored men to always be available for their families to ensure that they provided the right direction to their children and wives to keep the household intact.

“It is against this backdrop that caring fathers who love their families, bring stability, peace and understanding in the in the family setupd,” he added.

He also encouraged fathers to assume their rightful place in their families and the society, saying doing so may contribute to a decline in the number of mental cases.

He added that children, as future leaders, when groomed and trained at family level by both parents can become responsible citizens.

“Setting up a good example to our children is also a requisite for building future leaders as parents,” he said.

He indicated that the ministry, as the custodian of national health, aspired for healthy relationships with healthy families that would lead to healthy mental state of all.

Therefore, he said fathers should not shy away from seeking help when faced with challenges.

He added that some structures existed which they can use for guidance and mentorship purposes.

“Counselling is also an area that men can explore to strengthen their relationships when they are faced with challenges,” he added.

Mr Lelatisitswe commended Ebat Guest Lodge and Consultancy for collaborating with other institutions to honour and recognise the role model fathers in the past three years.

Welcoming guests, Kgosi Simon Nkgageng of Tatisiding thanked the organisers for hosting the third edition of the father’s day conference in his village.

He said Tatisiding was one village that was hard hit by lack of absent fathers due to various reasons.Kgosi Nkgageng therefore appealed to all fathers, as heads of their families, to respect the marriage institution in order for Botswana to move forward.

Ebat Guest Lodge and Consultancy director, also the event’s chief organiser, Mr Ogomoditse Maruapula explained that seminar aimed to encourage and honour role model fathers as well as inspire effective male parenting and fatherhood.

Mr Maruapula said the event also aimed to encourage family, community and national leaders to support the noble initiative of the father’s day. ENDS