Fatherhood Program Graduate Shares Personal Transformation Through CJPS Initiative

In May 2026, the Center for Justice and Peace Studies (CJPS) graduated 184 beneficiaries (140 males and 44 females) under its Empowerment of Adolescent Girls and Young Women project, marking another milestone in efforts to advance girls’ education and strengthen community support for their protection and empowerment.

Implemented under the theme, “Building Resilient Communities through Responsible Fatherhood and Girls’ and Young Women’s Leadership,” the initiative promotes responsible fatherhood, girls’ education, and community engagement to create safer and more supportive environments for adolescent girls and young women.

The project seeks to increase girls’ enrollment, retention, and active participation in school by supporting girls’ advocacy clubs, providing leadership, advocacy, and sexual and reproductive health education, and supplying learning materials to vulnerable students. It also works to challenge harmful gender norms, strengthen supportive parenting, raise awareness of school policies, amplify girls’ voices, and engage fathers and communities in preventing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and other barriers to girls’ education.

One of the program’s graduates, Konah P. Gibson of Kakata, Margibi County, says the Father to School Program has transformed both his mindset and his relationship with his family and community.

Reflecting on his life before joining the program, Konah admitted that he often treated others with little respect or empathy and believed he was always right.

“Not only did I exhibit arrogance, but I was also very disrespectful to women and people who disagreed with me on issues,” he recalled.

According to Konah, the training challenged his attitudes and helped him appreciate the importance of respecting women, older people, and everyone he encounters, regardless of their age or background. He also says the program changed how he views his responsibilities as a father.

“Before this training, I did not fully understand how important my role was in my daughter’s life. Today, I communicate with my children more, support my daughter’s education, and encourage her to pursue her dreams. I have also become an advocate in my community, encouraging other fathers to protect and empower adolescent girls and young women. I now believe that when fathers are actively involved, our daughters have a better chance to grow up safe, confident, and successful.”

Konah’s experience reflects the broader impact the initiative seeks to achieve by equipping fathers with the knowledge and skills to become positive role models, strengthen family relationships, and work alongside their communities to ensure that adolescent girls and young women can learn, lead, and thrive in safe and supportive environments.