Fathers of Goodwill: Strengthening Families, One Dad at a Time

Across the Ukwega Ward in the highlands of Tanzania, Fathers of Goodwill groups are quietly changing lives. Inspired by Rwanda’s Bandebereho program (Kinyarwanda for “role model”), our groups bring men together to learn positive fatherhood, strengthen family relationships, support maternal and child health, and prevent violence at home. Reaching Children’s Potential Program (RCP) Psychologist Jordan Msigwa writes about the project’s goals, and how volunteers contribute their own experiences of parenthood.

Practical Strategies Investing in Family Mental Wellness

The inspirationally named Fathers of Goodwill project originated in 2021, with discussions between RCP Mental Wellness Initiative staff and teams of volunteers, who noted that because RCP interventions focused on mother and child health, fathers were unintentionally excluded from some education. The project took form two years later in combination with advanced interventions to prevent gender-based violence (GBV).

“In the past, fathers were often overlooked because strong patriarchal traditions in many African countries place childcare responsibility mainly on women,” RCP Mental Wellness Education Manager Regina Mhagama explained. “This has negative effects on women and families, causing low father participation in child care. Since RCP began working to eliminate stunting in 2017, we focused mainly on women as the primary caregivers.” Regina said the ultimate success of the RCP Program depends on teaching men practical skills for parenting and family life they cannot easily learn elsewhere.  

As as psychologist and facilitator of the Fathers of Goodwill groups, I use the Bandebereho manual adapted for our local context, in twice-weekly, discussion-based sessions covering topics such as shared parenting, communication, supporting mothers during pregnancy, and non-violent discipline.  The purpose is to encourage members to practice what they learn and share it with friends, family, and the wider community.

Since I assumed the role in 2026, I’ve organized two active group in Ipalamwa and Lulindi villages, each with 8–15 members. We plan to expand to all villages in the Ukwega Ward this year, and run outreach sessions in nearby communities.  Recently, we provided the Fathers of Goodwill members branded shirts (featured on the banner photo above and below) to recognize their unity in purpose, and to raise visibility of the effort throughout the community.

Group Meetings Focus on Open Discussion and Sharing

Sessions are participatory: Members share experiences, ask questions, and reflect on changes. These meetings have proven their effectiveness. When I attend home visits with RCP Caregivers, I observe real behavior change—fathers are taking on tasks, checking children’s schoolwork, and supporting their wives.

The father-focused program builds men’s confidence to mediate conflicts and model positive behavior for others. The main goal is to help dads model “good fathers” behavior in their families as well as in the whole community.

Regina explained the origins of the Fathers of Goodwill project.  “We had poured so much into women’s physical and mental health, education, and awareness—supporting them and their children through RCP. But as we listened to the mothers in our communities, we learned that even when the women gained valuable knowledge, many struggled to implement it at home. Their husbands or partners often dictated family decisions and were unwilling to shift behaviors around relationships, mental health, physical well-being during pregnancy and breastfeeding, or sharing responsibilities for a happy family.”

She said that in consulting with other managers and the medical clinic’s head doctor, the vision for Fathers of Goodwill emerged. “Dr. Silas Mosha suggested we intentionally engage 10-15 men in each village—men ready to walk this journey with us,” Regina continued. The idea was with appropriate direction and resources, these chosen men would become exemplary fathers of goodwill, open to new education and awareness, even when it challenged cultural norms. “By partnering with their wives in the RCP Program, they would help implement healthier lifestyles in relationships, health, and family life,” she asserted. In the past year, she said, the groups have began to flourish, and the men naturally become ambassadors of change, inspiring more fathers in the community to follow their footsteps.

Testimonials Highlight Fathers of Goodwill Successes

Community members are impressed when they see fathers practicing what they have learned. The Fathers of Goodwill share their knowledge with others and encourage behavior change, such as reducing alcoholism, sharing household responsibilities, and ending domestic violence. Mothers, neighbors, and other community members appreciate the Father of Goodwill groups and are willing to join after witnessing these changes.

Dr Silas said: “Men in our culture and society respond best to their fellow men when it comes to lifestyle and behavior change. They become even more open when they see the visible success, happiness, and good health in the families of those who have embraced the program. This peer-led transformation is proving to be a powerful way to bring lasting change to the fathers of Ukwega ward.”

As evidence, Robina, an RCP family participant since the program began in 2017, said her life has improved since her husband joined Fathers of Goodwill.  “Before, he often came home late and rarely checked on the children’s school progress.”  But, with the additional understanding he gained by meeting with other fathers and Global Volunteers staff, he arrives home earlier, supervises homework, assigns chores, and shows more care and leadership at home.” She added he also unselfconsciously shares what he learns in the group with friends, and even helps mediate disputes in the community. This was a significant behavior change, she professed.

RCP Psychologist Jordan Msigwa talks with RCP mother Robina at a home visit.

Similarly like Robina, Timizeni joined RCP early in the program – in 2020. At workshops and home visits, she learned about breastfeeding, child nutrition, and how to access services at Ipalamwa General Clinic. She said since her husband started attending Fathers of Goodwill sessions, he’s become more involved at home.  “Now he plays with the children, helps with cooking, supports me with breastfeeding and my health, and communicates better with all of us.” He also discusses parenting tips with other fathers, inspiring them to try new approaches at home.

As a trained psychologist, I’ve found this type of intervention produces amazing results,since it touches the crucial issues on healthy family life.  As an outsider to the Ukwega Ward, I’m so encouraged with the fathers’ attendance and commitment towards sessions.  That’s what gives me hope – their eagerness towards learning new things and putting their new knowledge into practice to become part and parcel of their lives.  As a father myself, I know that continuing knowledge/education concerning parenting and family relationships is crucial.  That’s why I was motivated to join Global Volunteers’ Mental Wellness Initiative to share my skills, teach this program, and provide psychoeducation – ultimately bringing a sense of change to families’ lives and the community in general.

Volunteers are a Constant, Necessary Resource

Volunteers are an essential resource for us, because they bring experience, fresh ideas, and energy. Short-term volunteer visits—one or two weeks—have a big impact. Individuals and families who volunteer together share practical parenting tips and lead discussions that help fathers learn positive discipline, better communication, and how to support their partners. Volunteers create spaces where fathers feel comfortable asking questions and trying new behaviors.

In March, 2026 a volunteer couple shared their personal parenting experiences and positive communication – an amazing experience for local fathers and the couple to learn from each other.

We invite you to help expand the program to all villages in Ukwega ward, to lead and support sessions and community outreach. share skills in parenting education, counseling, health promotion, and community mobilization. The Fathers of Goodwill needs you. Volunteers, whether individuals, couples, or families play a vital role in teaching, listening, and inspiring change also impacting knowledge and skills to the Global Volunteers staff. Your time and skills can help more fathers become role models for their children and communities.  Together, we can build healthier families and a kinder community—one father at a time.