A father’s love can change a family’s future. Fathers and father figures provide and guide. They care, protect, and nurture. As CMMB celebrates Father’s Day in the United States and other parts of the world, we honor the dedicated men who do the hard work of fatherhood. We are proud to introduce you to four dads who inspire us with the strength of their love.

Derrick’s Story: Finding the Strength to Keep His Family Together

When Derrick lost his wife, he was left alone with their three children, including a small baby, Abraham. Struggling with grief and financially overwhelmed by the needs of his youngest child, Derrick worried he would not be able to provide a safe and healthy environment for his family. He made a heartbreaking choice: to send his baby to live in a childcare facility in Lusaka so he could care for his older children.

With 70% of the population living in poverty, many other Zambian families have made the same painful decision. Through our Kusamala III project, we are helping to prevent family separation and reunite children with their families. When Derrick needed help, our team was there for him. We provided vocational training, educational materials, food assistance, and essential household items—the support Derrick needed to welcome Abraham back home.

Today, Abraham is where he belongs, playing with his siblings and attending school. After his family’s tragic loss, Derrick found his strength. His children will grow up knowing it was their father’s love that kept them together.

Jonas’s Story: Creating an Example of Involved Fatherhood

Jonas prepares a meal for his family.

In Zambia, traditional social norms often discourage men from taking on supportive roles at home. Through our GHR Foundation-supported Kusamala III initiative, we are working to redefine fatherhood through community-led Men Taking Action groups that encourage thoughtful discussion about how shared caregiving responsibilities can build stronger, healthier, and more resilient families.

For Jonas, the conversations changed his perspective. The 47-year-old married father of four from Lusaka District grew up believing that cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the children were things that women did, never men.

“The Men Taking Action sessions helped me see that being a responsible husband and father doesn’t make you less of a man,” Jonas said. “It builds a stronger family and earns you true respect.”

Today, Jonas cooks meals for his family, cleans the house, and takes his children to doctors’ appointments. Being more involved at home has brought joy and satisfaction that Jonas never expected, and his family is stronger for it. Now, he is changing attitudes in his community.

“As an elder at my church, I mentor other men, showing them that being present, caring, and responsible does not make you weak. It makes you a better husband, a better father, and a better leader,” Jonas shared.

Matuku’s Story: Providing for His Family Through Health Challenges

Matuku and his daughter

Matuku, 57, of Kitui County, Kenya, supports a large family, including seven children. But after he was diagnosed with tuberculosis, his health faltered. Working as a skilled carpenter became impossible. He tried other jobs, but the pay was low, and soon he was struggling to provide for his family.

Then, a turning point. In 2024, Matuku joined CMMB’s Sustainable Livelihoods program. This initiative supports vulnerable families by encouraging entrepreneurship and providing financial assistance, like regular cash transfers to meet immediate household needs.

Matuku used CMMB’s support to help his family get back on track. He purchased nutritious food for his children, paid their school fees, and sought treatment for his lung issues. He adds to his income by selling firewood and produce. One day, he hopes to open a small shop that sells furniture, bedding, and clothes.

“Looking back, CMMB has really helped make a step forward,” Matuku said. “I want to build a better future for my children; not just with a roof over their heads, but with values, faith, and education,” he shared.

Stallon’s Story: Balancing Work and Caregiving

the sustainable livelihood team meets with Stallon and his family.

Stallon, 38, of Mwangala Village in Kitui County, Kenya, carries a heavy weight on his shoulders. He supports his elderly mother and other family members, while also providing and caring for his son, Evans, who lives with a severe disability. But it was hard to find stable work that offered the flexibility he needed to be a reliable caregiver.

Stallon was determined to give his family a secure future. CMMB helped him find a way. Through our cash transfer program, he invested in goats and chickens for nutrition and income, and in a donkey to help with labor, like hauling water. We also enrolled him in our Graduation Model pilot, a program that helps people living in extreme poverty transition to long-term stability and self-reliance. Our support helped Stallon to purchase a motorbike. Now, he earns money giving rides to people in his community. His steadfast resolve is protecting Evans’s future.

“With a chicken and a donkey, I started getting some relief in support,” Stallon says. “Now, with the motorbike business, my biggest hope is to earn a stable income near home so I can continue caring for Evans while providing for my family.”

Gratitude for Fathers Who Lead with Love

At CMMB, we are grateful to walk alongside men who are forging new hope for their families. What they do is not easy. In communities challenged by poverty and lack of access to basic services, these men still show up in the ways their families need. We see their caring hearts and appreciate their sacrifices.

On Father’s Day and all year long, we honor loving fathers and father figures. CMMB will continue supporting their investment in family.

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