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The Clark's will be traveling back to Africa once again in August.

The Fathers Cry

The Fathers Cry

 
Father's Cry featured on Fathers.Com PDF Print E-mail
Written by Administrator   
Sunday, 06 September 2009 17:52

This past week, our staff was privileged to host three people who are making a difference for fatherhood in the world: Dave and Kim Clark, along with James Maina (see photo). Dave is one of our master trainers who lives and actively trains fathers in Texas, but he and his wife have also traveled overseas to teach men about fatherhood using our 7 Secrets of Effective Fathers curriculum.

Dave and Kim Clark with James MainaMuch of their overseas work has been in Africa, and on several trips there they have led training sessions for fathers, as well as for African men who want to become father trainers. Those who have been trained so far represent seven different African countries.

Because the need for healthy fathering in Africa is so great—and because the people are so hungry for help—Dave has equipped James, a native Kenyan, as a master trainer. James is a husband and father of three, has a master’s degree in education, and has held a position similar to a school superintendent for ten years. He is now committed full-time to helping men become better fathers.

ImageIn the coming months and years, James has plans to train and certify about 200 other father-trainers in Africa—community leaders, pastors, YMCA leaders, prison officials, and men from refugee camps—who can then spread the message to thousands of other dads all over the continent.

Because of Dave Clark’s vision, and now James Maina’s dedication, there is an organized, self-sustaining initiative in Africa to help men become the fathers their children need. (They are also enlisting African men to make the Championship Fathering Commitment.)

Read more about Dave and Kim’s organization, the Father’s Cry, or watch this video about their work in Africa.

Both of these men are inspiring examples of a key strategy for change among fathers in America, and really in the whole world. We call the strategy "Reach, Teach, and Unleash." Once we reach and engage dads, we seek to teach them research-based concepts and practical ideas that will make a difference. Then, to truly have an impact and change our culture for the better—in current and future generations of children—our efforts to reach and teach have to be unleashed and multiply. Those dads have to reach out to other fathers and help them be better dads, and so on.