Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports - who officially launched the movement and the Dads for Life Website yesterday - said the aim is to grow the initial pool of more than 50 participating schools into a flourishing community.

"I understand that plans are in the pipeline to extend the next phase of Fathers@Schools to kindergartens and pre-schools," he added.

Schools onboard the programme will receive funding of up to $2,000 a year to support the organisation of activities such as father-child bonding camps and sports programmes.

As part of the initial drive for Fathers@Schools, the movement is organising a contest for primary and secondary school students to blog about their dads.

It is also working with partner organisations like Safra and the Singapore Scouts Association to develop more customised father-child programmes that schools can tap on.

The Dads for Life website (www.dadsforlife.sg) can help fathers keep abreast of the latest research on fatherhood, as well as allow them to recommend books for fellow dads to read and discuss father-related issues. Dads for Life will also establish a presence on Facebook and Twitter so dads can connect with each other. - Jeremy Koh