My name is Kasakwa Ronald. I am delighted to have been part of the likeminded team to learn and implement the Parenting for Respectability Model (PfR) under our Violence against Children (VAC) intervention piloted in Namawojjolo Parish, Nama Subcounty in Mukono District in the Central part of Uganda. Much as I was vehemently exposed to numerous trainings for quite so long, in areas of Youth and Community development, my exposure to the trainings facilitated by likeminded and super naturally gifted folks from Center for Transformative Parenting and Research (CTPR) was indeed a blessing in disguise!

Much as we I was trained to train others under the TOT arrangement, I personally received a lot transformation as a trainer. The PfR trainings act as a check point for one’s life, which calls for extra ordinary reflections about life before targeting others in the queue! The first set of training on community entry opened my eyes that whenever one needs to have an intervention in the community, there are a number of things to think of to harvest success, especially understanding the community structure, norms and values, etc. This, therefore, helped me to understand the community entry dynamics which I am still applying whenever there is an intervention to make in my community.

The first training modules on bonding and attachment were a magic in my parenting journey! Sessions such as 50yrs and 3 months, who a Child is, my fathers and my mother’s legacy among others humbled me to unlearn and re-learn some good parenting practices that fosters an admirable family in the community. I really learned how to spare time for my children, being a good example for my children and building a firm foundation for my family, the values of playing with children etc.

As a father now, I feel so proud for having been part of this memorable journey. The skills acquired through the Parenting for Respectability training program as well as VAC prevention project funded by CRVPF have shaped me to be a role model to other young men joining the institution of marriage as well as the skills, knowledge and attitudes developed while facilitating various sessions with CTPR team have enhanced my presentation skills hence ‘’shining’’ as good facilitator in my community. In fact, in our church, I was given a slot every month to talk to parents on issues around parenting and I proudly use some of the PfR skills and content to communicate life changing messages to the church members and a lot of testimonies have been shared regarding to child-parent as well as husband and wife relationships.

Thanks so much CTPR and CRVPF for the opportunity granted, May the good lord bless the work of your hands as you persistently serve various communities. I wish we could have more and more trainings.