THE POWER OF PRESENCE: A FATHER’S JOURNEY IN EARLY CHILDHOOD

Hankwa Kaswaya, a 31 year old security guard at Siasikabole Health Facility, is a proud father of a 3 year old son and a 5 month old baby. His journey with the Luyando Parenting Group began in July 2023 after an awareness session led by Choolwe Mboma, an Intanda CBV. Inspired by the benefits of Early Childhood Development (ECD), Hankwa and his wife joined the group when their firstborn was just a few months old. Since then, Hankwa has witnessedremarkable growth in his son’s development. “At just three years old, my son can recognize colors and count.   When I compare him to other children his age in the community, I can see a difference,” he shared proudly. This has motivated him to enroll his son in Early Childhood Education 
(ECE) earlier than he had initially planned, as he believes his child is exceptionally sharp for his 
age.
 Beyond academics, Hankwa credits the parenting group for strengthening his bond with his chil
dren. He actively engages in playtime with his son, playing soccer and making toy cars together, 
activities he once believed were solely a mother’s responsibility. This shift in mindset has not only 
benefited his children but has also brought him closer to his wife.
 Even during his wife’s pregnancy with their second child, they continued attending parenting ses
sions together. Now, they are already seeing positive developmental milestones in their 
5-month-old baby, which has further more strengthened their belief in the program’s impact.
 Hankwa encourages other fathers to join parenting groups, emphasizing that the experience has 
transformed his relationship with his children and strengthened his family bond. “It’s not just 
about helping children grow, it’s about growing together as a family.”