Project Need & Aims:
The project will like to capture the first-time experience of African men when they became fathers for the first time and rites of passage from being a boy to a man and how these have changed since they moved to Newcastle and/or Gateshead. Living abroad and globalization mean that we are losing our traditions and culture and our children born here or growing up here are finding it difficult to relate to our traditions and often we do not capture the experiences of men when they are fathers for the first time. This is in summary what this project will aim to achieve.
Becoming a father is a life-changing experience for any man, regardless of their background or culture. In many African societies, becoming a father is considered a rite of passage from boyhood to manhood, and it is often accompanied by traditional rituals and celebrations that are passed down from generation to generation. However, living abroad and the impact of globalization has meant that these traditions and cultural practices are often lost, and children born or growing up in foreign countries find it challenging to connect with their heritage.
The first-time experience of African men when they become fathers is a unique and significant milestone in their lives. It marks a new chapter in their journey as they take on the responsibility of raising and providing for their families. This experience is often accompanied by a sense of pride, joy, and a deep connection to their cultural heritage.
The project aimed to capture the first-time experience of African men when they become fathers for the first time and the rites of passage from being a boy to a man. The project also explored how these experiences have changed since they moved to Newcastle and/or Gateshead.
Living abroad presents many challenges, and one of the most significant challenges is the loss of cultural traditions and practices. It can be challenging for parents to pass on their heritage to their children when they are growing up in a foreign country, and it can be equally difficult for children to connect with their cultural identity.
The project aimed to bridge this gap by providing a platform for African men to share their first-time experiences of fatherhood and their cultural traditions and practices. The project also aimed to raise awareness of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and the impact it has on the lives of those who migrate to foreign countries.
Through interviews and focus groups, the project will capture the diverse experiences of African men living in Newcastle and/or Gateshead. The stories shared were often filled with emotion, and the men spoke of their struggles to adapt to a new culture while holding on to their cultural identity.
Many of the men interviewed shared stories of their fathers and grandfathers, who passed down cultural practices and traditions to them. They spoke of the sense of pride and connection they felt when participating in these traditions, and the importance of passing them on to future generations.
The project highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage and the impact it has on the lives of those who migrate to foreign countries. It also provided an opportunity for African men to connect with each other and share their experiences of fatherhood and cultural identity.
In conclusion, becoming a father is a significant milestone in any man’s life, and it is essential to preserve cultural traditions and practices that have been passed down from generation to generation. The project aimed to capture the first-time experience of African men when they become fathers and the rites of passage from being a boy to a man, and it highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage in an ever-changing world.