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Sponsorship stories - fathers stories |
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Sponsorship empowers fathers as providers and protectors Poverty erodes self-esteem and contributes to feelings of hopelessness, straining the vital bond of family. This pressure can be particularly damaging to fathers, who, because of unemployment prevalent in poor communities, are robbed of their ability to fulfill their primary role as provider and protector of the family. “For the father that wants to provide and protect, the sponsorship program can be a great partner,” said Paul Pearce, director of international programs at CFCA. “By involving parents in decision-making for benefits, the program maximizes their movement toward self-reliance.” This section includes stories of how the sponsorship program empowers fathers to be better people—for their wives, their children, their communities, and for themselves.
Fathers learn coping skills at Bolivian workshop
The sponsorship program is a tranquil and stable presence that anchors the family while the children progress and parents take advantage of workshops and group activities. One such activity is the values-formation workshop presented by the Santa Cruz subproject in Bolivia. Besides giving fathers and mothers a rare break from their daily grind, parents share problems, role-play and learn coping skills. The workshop has strengthened family and community bonds. Project Coordinator Eufronia Taquichiri has seen a marked decrease in violent behavior in troubled families, and parents are more positive and participatory in program activities. “If the program can be seen by parents as a form of unconditional love and support until they can generate enough income on their own, then we are getting somewhere,” said Paul Pearce, CFCA’s director of international programs. Sponsor a child or learn more about sponsorship benefits Learn more about our projects in Bolivia CFCA program awakens father’s self-worth CFCA sponsorship has given 17-year-old Mary Grace, from the Antipolo project in the Philippines, much more than nutritious food, health care, clothing and an education. What Mary Grace appreciates most about the sponsorship program is “the very special and great kindness of helping mend our broken family to be whole again,” she said. In June, Mary Grace began studying for a bachelor of science in industrial technology. She wants to be a teacher. Her future looks bright thanks to the support provided by sponsorship, her own talent and hard work. But in the fourth grade, Mary Grace’s father, Salvador, struggled with problems common to many fathers trying to support their families in poverty and as a result, the family separated. Salvador agreed to share the family’s story because it might inspire others, especially families dealing with similar problems. “In this way, I can show appreciation to the people around the world who help poor people to become better persons,” he said.
Poverty cripples dreams Health problems and financial constraints forced Salvador to abandon his dream of finishing high school. He married Imelda and the couple had three children. Without an education, Salvador scraped by on day jobs. With his children, his wife, and the Philippines’ rising cost-of-living, Salvador was under constant pressure to provide for his family. “My wife and I were not harmonious because I was incapable of providing adequately for my children,” said Salvador. “To soothe me from my problems, I resorted to alcohol and became an alcoholic.”
Salvador said he was summoned to the courthouse several times to face charges of abuse filed by Imelda. The problems escalated until Imelda took the children and left him. Sponsorship restores hope It was a difficult period for Mary Grace and her siblings. “The situation affected my studies,” said Mary Grace. “Little by little, I became hopeless. We were silently in deep pain when we were asked to decide who to live with.” Imelda appealed to CFCA for help. Mary Grace and her brother, Christian, became sponsored and the family received regular food baskets, health care, clothing and educational assistance. Eventually, at the urging of the subproject staff, Salvador reunited with his family. “They helped me to realize how important I am to my children,” said Salvador. “In return, I pledged to give up my cruelty and alcoholism.” The family rejoiced. “We praised and thanked the Lord for answering our prayers,” said Mary Grace, who sees her father as “industrious, hard-working, kind and trustworthy.” ‘We are whole again’ Salvador now works as a helper in the local market. On his days off, he finds work as a fisherman or carpenter. He is also an active member of ERPAT, the local CFCA-Antipolo fathers association. ERPAT has taught Salvador skills to cope with the pressures that affect fathers struggling to overcome obstacles created by poverty. The acronym stands for Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities. The group meets once a month to pray and plan programs on child protection, disaster management, livelihood and moral recovery. About 4,000 CFCA fathers, or 60 percent, are members. “I am thankful to the CFCA fathers association for caring to help fathers live decently, to be kind and responsible to our families and communities,” said Salvador. “My children are happy, too, because we are whole again.” Sponsor a child or learn more about sponsorship benefits Learn more about our projects in the Philippines For Madagascar father, ‘education is the best inheritance’
For Rene Razafimahatratra, his most important role as a father is sharing the reality of life with his children. This includes “explaining the good and bad effects of drinking too much alcohol, behaving as a model in whatever I do, and encouraging my children to study until they earn the highest degree they can,” he said. Rene is always looking for ways to educate his children so they can grow up to be good. “There is a Malagasy saying,” he said. “Education is the best inheritance in life.” He is most grateful for the educational benefits his four children receive through CFCA. Besides school fees and school supplies, sponsorship provides medical attention, nutrition, clothing and spiritual development. Rene quit school in the seventh grade and works as a stone mason. As a father struggling to support his family in poverty, his biggest challenge is to provide for his family’s daily needs, especially for his children, who, he said, are the future of society. Sponsorship is helping Rene to be a better father by easing his financial burden. Rene and his wife of 30 years have eight children. They live just outside Antsirabe.
Sponsor a child or learn more about sponsorship benefits Learn more about our projects in Madagascar Tuition assistance eases Liberian father’s burden
As a stone mason and a college dropout, J.B. Walker Dennis struggles with the lack of job opportunities in Sinoe, a town in southeast Liberia. “Contracts are scarce, so many people are running after one contract with little money,” he said. Education is the most important benefit J.B.’s 18-year-old daughter, Nynohmonjue, receives through CFCA sponsorship. The funds that would have been used for tuition can be used for other pressing family needs. “With CFCA providing academic support for one of my children, this lightens my family burden a whole lot,” J.B. said. This relief permits J.B. to fulfill what he considers is his most important role as a father: “Bringing my children up morally and academically so as to be able to meet the challenges of life.” J.B. and his wife have six children. They have been married for 22 years.
Sponsor a child or learn more about sponsorship benefits Learn more about our projects in Liberia ‘I can take my children to school as a result of sponsorship’
“The most important benefit that sponsorship has provided my child with is access to better education,” said David Lumera of Kenya. One of his five children, 9-year-old Douglas, is sponsored through CFCA. “With Douglas getting some assistance through sponsorship, it becomes easier to share my income with the rest of the family members,” said David. Even with sponsorship, David struggles to provide for his family on the $30 a month he earns as a construction laborer near Nairobi. The family lives in a house made of metal sheeting with an earth floor. “My most important role as a father is to take the greatest care that I can for my family,” said David. “I have to provide them the basic life requirements, that is, food, clothing and education. I do this to the best of my ability.” David said his biggest challenge as a father in Kenya is unemployment. With the assistance provided through CFCA sponsorship, David feels a sense of dignity though he has no formal education. “Even with the problems emanating from my unemployment, I still can take my children to school as a result of sponsorship,” he said. Sponsor a child or learn more about sponsorship benefits Learn more about our projects in Kenya Want to know more about CFCA sponsorship and its benefits? Sponsor an child or learn more about sponsorship benefits Common questions about sponsorship Contact us toll-free at (800) 875-6564 or in the Kansas City area (913) 384-6500.
Please note: CFCA does not post photos or other personal information about children or aging persons waiting to be sponsored in order to protect their privacy and the privacy of their families. This is in accordance with our child protection policies and also in keeping with our commitment to respecting the dignity of those we serve. At the same time, we know sponsors may wish to sponsor a child or aging person of a particular age, gender or country, and we do everything possible to honor those requests. Sponsors are invited to indicate special requests in the "other criteria" box when you sponsor online. Once your sponsorship has been established, you will receive a photo and family profile of your sponsored friend, the address of the CFCA project where you may write to your friend and other helpful information about your CFCA sponsorship. |
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