On 28 January in Naples, COFACE member CSB Onlus gathered with local partners to reflect on the progress of the international project Engaging Men in Nurturing Care (EMiNC) and to discuss how to continue supporting fathers in early childhood development.
Rather than marking a final conclusion, the meeting was described by organisers as a “semicolon moment”. While the activities carried out in Naples under the EMiNC project have reached an important milestone, the work itself continues. The gathering provided an opportunity to review what has been achieved so far and to look ahead to the next steps in strengthening support systems for families and fathers.
Throughout the project, CSB Onlus has worked closely with a wide range of local actors across health, education and social services. These collaborations have helped build a strong and structured network of professionals committed to promoting the role of fathers during the early years of a child’s life.
Key partners involved in this local network include the Comune di Napoli, the regional health authorities ASL Napoli 2 Nord, ASL Napoli 3 Sud and ASL Napoli 1, as well as academic institutions such as University of Naples Federico II and Suor Orsola Benincasa University. Together, these partners have helped identify synergies and develop joint actions aimed at promoting sustainable and long-term support for fathers and families.
According to CSB Onlus, this collaboration has created a dense and dynamic network that bridges different sectors and professional backgrounds. Health professionals, educators and social workers have all contributed to exploring how fathers can be better engaged during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, a crucial period for development and family wellbeing.
During the event, CSB Onlus President Giorgio Tamburlini emphasised the importance of addressing fatherhood and nurturing masculinities in today’s social context. As he noted, the themes of paternity and caring forms of masculinity are particularly relevant in the times we are living in.
Building on the experience of the EMiNC project, CSB Onlus plans to continue working with local partners to strengthen awareness across communities and services. The organisation aims to help territories recognise the knowledge and potential already present within their networks, while also encouraging coordinated actions that can provide meaningful support to families and fathers.
The meeting in Naples also highlighted the materials and resources developed within the EMiNC project. These tools are intended for professionals who work with families and fathers during the first 1,000 days, helping them better involve men in nurturing care and support positive parenting practices.
CSB Onlus expressed gratitude to all partners and participants who contributed to the initiative and continue to support fathers in Naples. The organisation underlined that the work carried out through EMiNC has laid the foundations for ongoing collaboration and future initiatives that promote engaged fatherhood and stronger family support systems.
More information about the project and the materials developed by CSB Onlus is available here.
