Fathers Action Network volunteers distribute parenting-related kits
By Lynda Hong, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 19 November 2009 2154 hrs

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SINGAPORE: More than a hundred volunteers of the Fathers Action Network, set out on Thursday to get fathers to play a greater role in their children's lives.

Joined by some 200 children, these volunteers distributed toolkits at Raffles Place and Toa Payoh Hub. The toolkits - containing a wristband, a custom pin, and tips for fathers - served as a reminder of their responsibilities and commitment to fatherhood.

In the weeks ahead, the Fathers Action Network wants to give out nearly 200,000 of such toolkits. They will also be distributed at all NTUC FairPrice Xpress stores at ESSO petrol kiosks as well as libraries.

The Fathers Action Network was started recently by a group of prominent figures from various organisations and businesses.

The network has kick-started a movement called "Dads for Life" to get fathers more involved with their families, especially in their children's lives. This was followed by a fatherhood perception survey, conducted in April and May this year by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS).

The survey's key findings showed that 97 per cent of the respondents felt that fathers play an important role in children's development. Out of the fathers surveyed, 96 per cent indicated their wish to spend more time with their kids.

The survey findings also showed that fathers spent less time with their children as compared to mothers. On average, a dad spends about eight hours a day with his kid on a weekend compared to over ten hours spent by a mother.

Ninety-five per cent felt that being a father and raising children is one of the most fulfilling experiences a man can have.

- CNA/sc