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The inaugural Dads for Life Conference brings together fathers of all walks of life to build collective stories of fatherhood
The inaugural Dads for Life Conference is the latest initiative of the Fathers Action Network as it works to get fathers to ACT: Be Aware of their important roles; Commit to be good influencers in their children’s lives; and spend Time, acquire Tools and Transform lives. The half day event, to be held on 14 May 2010, comes at the heels of the Network’s launch of the Fathers@Schools programme and the Dads for Life Website on 1 April this year.
2 Presented by Mediacorp Radio’s Gold 90.5fm and supported by Dads for Life, National Family Council and the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, the conference aims to equip fathers with insights, advice and skills on building strong bonds with their families so as to ensure a stable and safe future for their children. “The conference will be a unique opportunity for fathers from all walks of life to come together to share their fatherhood stories, but, more importantly, to celebrate the important role that they play in their children’s lives. We hope that the discussions at the conference will inspire all fathers to play more active roles in the growth and development of their children,” said Mr Richard Seow, Chairman of the Fathers Action Network.
3 Dr Josh McDowell, renowned speaker on fatherhood and male-centric matters from the United States will anchor the conference as he explores how fathers can develop transformational relationships with their children. Speaking on the role of fathers, Dr McDowell said, “Families are the foundation of society. ... Fathers must play an active part in their families in order to give their children the love and attention they need.” Mr James Thomas from New Zealand, the other fatherhood expert in the line-up of speakers, adds, "I am very impressed with the Dads for Life initiative; as Dads will gain encouragement, skills, recognition and inspiration. Dads who make the most of this opportunity will have a positive effect on their families and communities now and into the future." Mr Thomas will share useful tips on how fathers can be life coaches to their children, offering them encouragement and support in their daily lives. The Conference will also feature a special segment involving prominent local fathers, including Mr Brian Richmond, Mediacorp Radio Gold 90.5FM radio personality, and Mr Adrian Pang, local theatre artiste, who will share their unique and diverse experiences as Singaporean fathers. (Refer to Annex for details on the speaker profiles).
4 The inaugural Dads for Life Conference also marks the movement’s first foray into the workplace. The conference will be held on a Friday afternoon and publicity for the event has been targeted especially at employers and organisations to encourage their father employees to attend and support a father-friendly work environment. Mr Lim Soon Hock, Chairman of the National Family Council said, “There are compelling reasons for making a workplace more father-friendly. Given that more of our women are working in contemporary Singapore, it is vital that men play a bigger role, in helping out with the family, especially in bringing up the children. Businesses should make family a leadership value.”
5 Mr Steven Choo, Assistant Vice President of English Programming for Mediacorp Radio said “The father’s role (traditionally) is that of breadwinner and/or disciplinarian but we want to get Singaporean fathers to realise that their roles should go beyond that. At this inaugural Dads for Life conference, fathers will learn how to connect better with their children, to be a friend/mentor/role model whilst still being an authority figure. Gold 90.5FM is really excited to be part of this learning journey of re-discovery, helping fathers rethink their roles and strengthen the bonds they have with their children.”
6 The conference runs from 2.30pm to 6.30pm at the Orchard Hotel. Tickets for the conference have been sold out. Members of the public can visit dadsforlife.sg for more information on the Dads for Life Conference 2010 and the movement.
Issued by:
Dads for Life Secretariat
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ABOUT DADS FOR LIFE
The “Dads for Life” Movement is an initiative of the National Family Council (NFC), and supported by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS). Launched in November 2009, the movement seeks to inspire and involve fathers to become good influencers in their children’s lives... for life by getting Fathers to ACT:
A - Be Aware of the importance of fathers’ roles
C - Commit to be good fathers and role models to their children
T - Spend Time, Acquire Tools, bring Transformation to lives.
“Dads for Life” is driven by the Fathers Action Network.
ABOUT THE FATHERS ACTION NETWORK
The Fathers Action Network (FAN) is a people-sector led network with members from various organisations and business enterprises. Heading this network is Mr Richard Seow, Non-Executive Vice Chairman of Parkway Holdings Limited. As a consultative network for father-related issues and programmes, FAN will seek to increase awareness and knowledge about the critical impact of fathers’ involvement on their children’s lives; identify and leverage multi-sectoral resources - across Government, community, employers, schools, and families, to support fathers in their co-parenting roles; and empower and support fathers in their roles as parents.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL FAMILY COUNCIL
The National Family Council (NFC) is a people-sector Council formed on 1 May 2006 to champion and promote the building of resilient families, and provide a voice of the people on family issues. It is an advisory and consultative body for family-related policies, issues and programmes. The NFC is headed by Mr Lim Soon Hock, Chairman of Centre for Fathering. For more information about the NFC, please visit: http://www.nfc.org.sg .
Media Contact
Ms Jasmine Paul
Dads for Life Secretariat
Tel: 6354 7011
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Dads for Life Conference - Speakers Profile
The inaugural Dads for Life Conference is part of an exciting line-up of events to celebrate Fatherhood!
Dr Josh McDowell
Dr. Josh McDowell has authored and co-authored numerous books on fatherhood and parenting, including "How To Be A Hero To Your Kids" and the award-winning “The Father Connection”, which talks about how men can become the influence they’ve always wanted to be in the lives of their children.
James Thomas
James Thomas believes that that mothers and fathers have a challenging, rewarding and hugely importantly job; they need encouragement, wisdom and practical strategies to succeed. Again and again he observes that parents mean well but are sometimes too busy, lack expertise and are simply overwhelmed by the demands of parenting. Parents, especially fathers, benefit greatly when they increase their awareness of important principles and gain a range of practical skills.James Thomas draws from his extensive experience of 30 years in secondary school education and work in the community.
Local Panel
Hear prominent local fathers, including Mr Patrick Cheo (Chief Executive Officer of Adam Khoo Learning Technologies Group), Mr Brian Richmond (Mediacorp Radio Gold 90.5 FM Radio Personality), Hassan Bin Salleh (Assist. Vice President for RIA 89.7FM), Adrian Pang (Actor and Artistic Director for Pangdemonium Productions) and Alfred Tan (Executive Director of Singapore Children’s Society) speak on the highs and lows of their fatherhood journeys. Share in their trials and tribulations as we celebrate the diversity of fatherhood in Singapore. Learn handy tips on fatherhood and how fathers can be good influences in their children’s lives in these times.
The panel will take questions from the audience and offer their insights into fatherhood and dealing with the challenges that may arise, even to the best of fathers!
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