OCTOBER 2005

FATHERS NEEDED NOW!

Fathers, your children need you! Boys were already leaving school early in far greater numbers than girls, but it has got much worse in the last year. Girls, on the other hand, are doing OK at school but are still struggling with self- image and self-harm.

Fathers can, and do make a difference in their boys and girls lives. Research shows that fathers can help improve boys' performances at school and help girls with their self-esteem.

To learn more about what fathers can do to help their children as they grow up, Fathers Matter is putting curses in different locations in Inishowen and Donegal. Fathers Matter is part of the Health Board's parenting programme, Fas Le Cheile, which runs courses in primary schools. Over the last four years over three hundred and forty fathers have learnt about specific things they can do with their children.

Courses this autumn are being held in the following places:

Raising Girls for Fathers courses:
For any father (or stepfather, foster father) of a girl there is a course at the Pastoral Centre in Letterkenny on Monday 17th and 24th October. Contact the centre on 074 9121853.

For fathers of girls attending St. Patrick's National School, in Carndonagh, there is a course on 21st and 28th November. For more information contact the school.

Raising Boys for Fathers courses:
For fathers of boys attending St. Aengus National School, Bridgend, there is a course on Monday 7th and 14th November. For more information contact the school.

Fathers are needed now. Come to the courses. And for mothers of boys and girls, encourage their father to attend: You know it makes sense!

For more information about courses and about Fathers Matter, contact the coordinator, David Simpson on 074 93 81780.

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