Estonia to hold conference on raising boys to become good fathers

A conference on how boys can grow into fathers who show sincere love for their children and their mothers will be held at the Riigikogu, Estonia’s parliament, on Thursday, ERR reports. The event, titled “Who raises a boy to become a good father?”, begins at 11 a.m. and will be streamed live on the ERR website.

The conference is organised by the Value Life Foundation. Journalist Hannes Hermaküla and school psychologist Karmen Maikalu will lead the discussions. The Estonian Council of Churches is supporting the event.

The programme includes opening remarks by Olympic champion Erki Nool; an interview with Estonian entrepreneur and agricultural manager Margo Klaasmägi and his son Jakob; and a talk by Auditor General Janar Holm on why employers should support parenthood.

After a break, Viru Prison senior chaplain Paul Gill will speak about fathers who are imprisoned. Psychologist and counsellor Marika Merits will address why mothers sometimes do not let their sons grow into men. Urmo Uiboleht, head of a private school in Tartu and chair of the Estonian School Leaders Association, will discuss how schools can help boys become good fathers. Public figure, father and grandfather Marko Pomerants will speak about his journey to fatherhood.