On November 13, the Ibaragi Municipal Government Study Group came to Toronto to look at a number of innovative things happening within the municipality. The group consisted of social workers, civil engineers, water quality experts, women and children’s health, and a city tax expert. One of the issues they were looking for information on was father involvement. They requested a visit with Dad Central and with the LAMP Community Health Centre to learn about the importance of reaching fathers and how it is happening in Canada. Many Japanese communities are dealing with family stress, long work hours, single parenting, and defining roles of parenthood. Fatherhood is a growing concern for them. Dad Central Ontario has had a relationship with different Japanese prefects for a number of years. The Ibaragi group was a new connection and we hope will be the beginning of a strong relationship in the years ahead.
Brian, Zakiya, and Randy from DCO meet with the Ibaragi Study Group from Japan.