Krokoms kommun has launched a new integration initiative called 'Växa som förälder' (Grow as a Parent) aimed at supporting newly arrived fathers in strengthening their parental roles. The project, run by the municipality's Work and Integration Unit with support from Länsstyrelsen, focuses on father groups where participants discuss fatherhood, parenting, and gender norms.
Project leader Kristina Söderlund from Krokoms kommun described the initiative as 'very successful with many active participants.' The program specifically targets newly arrived parents, with one recent group consisting of fathers from Eritrea who met for three Monday evenings to discuss their roles as fathers.
It's important that we fathers come together and discuss our roles. We're not used to this from Eritrea, but we need it.
Participant Zerai Kahsay, a father of four, emphasized the importance of the gatherings: 'It's important that we fathers come together and discuss our roles. We're not used to this from Eritrea, but we need it.' Another participant, Farhile Ahmed, noted that while every father has their own journey, the discussions help them become better parents for their children.
The father groups have reportedly received positive responses from participants who use the meetings as opportunities to exchange experiences and learn more about Swedish society.
very successful with many active participants
while every father has their own journey, the discussions help them become better parents for their children