Each parent has their role

Partners in Parenting

sahee has a long history of partnership with Moya Centre. The description of the last project, Early childhood development: changing society from the roots, outlines the development from the first project initiated in 2009 until today. Moya remained community based over all this time, with the long-term aim to develop strong and self-sufficient individuals with a high level of social responsibility who are able to strengthen their communities in Lobamba Lomdzala. However, Moya's approach became more holistic over time and now further adds a focus on the male figures:
In the past young boys & girls were informally trained to become responsible fathers and mothers. (This practice was called: ugumeni; grandmothers capacitating girls on how to be a good woman and esangweni; grandfathers capacitating boys on how to be a good man). Many parents and grandparents have died, due to HIV/AIDS. Its ramifications have created a gap that took away these traditional structures. Many of the children are now raised by mothers only (46% MC survey, 2020). The 2016/17 Eswatini Households Income and Expenditure Survey indicated 49.4% of female headed households.
The prolonged schools’ closure due to COVID 19 and the social unrest in the country have seen a high number of teenage pregnancies, illegal abortions, suicides, alcohol & drug abuse. Poverty and hopelessness as a result of parents/ guardians losing their jobs, have increased among the children. MC reported a 67% increase of PSS (Psycho Social Support) cases and interventions from 2019 to 2020. A joint report form the International Commission of Juries and the eSwatini Action Group Against Abuse (eSWAGAA) reported that one in three in Eswatini will experience some form of sexual violence before they are 18 years old, while 48% of Swazi women will experience sexual violence over their lifetime, with intimate partners such as husbands and boyfriends, most likely to be perpetrators. Moya centre addresses the challenges through capacitating the fathers in taking the lead in their families as they recover from the covid19 and unrest effects. Harmful gender norms and attitudes that influence boys’ and girls‘ health and wellbeing will be eliminated. The frequent interactions will shape the boys and girls' behaviour in ways that will have a direct impact on their lives. When fathers understand their important role, it transforms their lives, and the lives of their children and family.
Dads leading Families program can develop the psychosocial and interpersonal skills of the young adolescents (boys and girls). This can help the boys and girls make informed decisions, communicate effectively and develop coping and self management skills that may contribute to live healthy and productive lives.

Project site

Malkerns, Lobamba Lomdzala (Map)

Beneficiaries

Direct beneficiaries:
Parents/guardians: 860
Children (boys and girls: 4 to 7 years): 160
Adolescents ( boys and girls: 8 to 14 years): 200
Youth (15 to 18 years): 155

Project costs and assistance by sahee

The entire project costs are CHF 180’000.–, whereas sahee takes over CHF 91’500.–.

sahee stays in regular contact with the project leaders, monitors the activities and visits the project on site once a year.

Duration of assistance

1st of January 2022 to 31st of December 2024

Local counterpart

Moya Centre

Project site

moya.org.sz/