In 2021, MenCare Georgia, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), opened the first Papa School in Georgia.
The goal of Papa School is to promote acquisition and utilization of the skills and behaviors among men, which will help them to become more engaged and caring fathers and partners. The Fathers’ School programme will also help them learn more about gender equality, as well as about stereotypes and harmful social norms that prevent them from achieving genuine equality.
Men who are planning to become fathers in the near future, expectant fathers, or fathers of children under the age of three, form the target audience of the programme. Training is free and interested fathers will be able to participate through online registration.
The training course offered by Papa School consists of eight 2-hour sessions. With the help of a specially designed module, fathers will be able to gain knowledge and information on important topics, such as:
- Choosing a right time to have a child;
- Supporting a partner during pregnancy and childbirth;
- Sharing household chores;
- Choosing methods of raising children;
- Protecting a child from violence;
- Maintaining healthy family relationships;
- Importance of equal partnership.
Papa School was established within the framework of the “EU 4 Gender Equality: Together against gender stereotypes and gender-based violence” programme, funded by the European Union, implemented jointly by UNFPA and UN Women. The Programme seeks to tackle gender stereotypes and discriminatory norms, ensure equal rights and opportunities for women and men, and active involvement of men in the process of promoting gender equality.
