Here in the United States, Father's Day often brings to mind backyard barbecues, fishing trips, sporting events, and time spent with family. These moments are worth celebrating. Yet beneath those traditions lies a deeper reality shared by fathers around the world.

Most fathers carry a profound sense of responsibility. They want to provide for their families, build a home, and create opportunities for their children. Yet the weight of those expectations can be heavy—especially in communities facing poverty, food insecurity, and environmental challenges.

In the rural communities where Plant With Purpose operates, fathers work tirelessly to provide for their families, but often with poor results due to environmental damage, limited knowledge, and a lack of financial means. Many feel pressure to remain strong, even when they are struggling. Asking for help or admitting uncertainty is not always easy.

That's why the courage of the fathers in our programs is so inspiring.

Every day, tens of thousands of fathers across our nine program countries choose to learn, grow, and lead alongside their neighbors. They join Purpose Groups, share ideas, learn new farming and financial skills, and work together to build a better future for their families and communities.

What makes this transformation so powerful is that these men don't simply receive knowledge, they contribute their own wisdom, experience, and leadership. Together with their wives, children, and neighbors, they discover the strength that comes from community, collaboration, and shared purpose.

In many of the cultures where we work, this kind of openness among men is uncommon. Yet when fathers begin to experience positive change in their own lives, others take notice. Hope spreads. Families grow stronger. Communities become more resilient.

The fathers you'll meet below are doing more than providing for their families. They are restoring land, creating opportunity, nurturing faith, and shaping a future that will impact generations to come.

This Father's Day, we invite you to hear from just a few of these remarkable fathers.

Nickson, Shegena West, TZ

“Before joining the Purpose Group, I was living in the city. Life there was not easy for me. I encountered significant challenges—unstable income, always struggling to make ends meet. When my daughter was born, I felt overwhelmed and sought a fresh start. One day, I noticed a gathering of people. Curiosity drew me closer. I asked what was going on, and that’s when I learned about Plant With Purpose.

“The training I received gave me essential skills and knowledge that changed everything. I was able to plan and manage my finances, even during tough seasons caused by the weather. The difference in my life before and after joining the Purpose Group is remarkable. Before, I relied on my family for support. Now, I have many sources of income—and a real sense of independence. That has restored my hope for the future.”

Wilson, Haiti

“Before I began with Plant With Purpose, I didn’t have any opportunities to make money. My wife and I had to stay with my uncle. He humiliated us and made life very difficult. However, today my social and economic situation has considerably changed. My work has had a particular impact on my family life; there is more love between us as our economic situation continues to improve. I am able to invest in productive activities, such as my savings group. My work with Plant With Purpose makes me more creative and participative in community life.”

Dickson, Msuu, Tanzania

At 56, Dickson and his wife, 43, were raising four children. “I struggled to meet my children’s needs, like paying their school fees on time or buying them supplies. Sometimes I felt like I was failing to provide even the basic needs, like clothes for my children. This caused a lot of distress for both me and my wife.”

After joining a Purpose Group and receiving training, Dickson saw an immediate change. “The results were immediate and remarkable. My vegetables were flourishing. I used them at home and sold the surplus at the market. People loved my vegetables because they were fresh, tasty, and organic.” This small vegetable garden soon became a reliable source of income. 

“Dickson is a model in the community,” a fellow group member remarked. “People look at what he has achieved and want to follow his example.” Dickson now dreams of purchasing more land to expand his organic vegetable garden. “I’ve seen what is possible,” he said. “Not just for myself but for my children and my community.”

Don Carlos, Oaxaca, Mexico

“It is a blessing from God to be able to work, to work and to be able to generate your own resources. Our family dreams of a better life. Unfortunately, we live in a difficult world... people always focus on 'me.' Me first, then me, and last me. When it must be the opposite: first you, then me. I think healing this land has had a good impact. It has helped us to work together as a family on some projects. My children helped make the vines. Today, I have better communication with my son. Being able to talk to him and say, I mean, ‘How do you see this? Do you think it's a good thing?’ The response has been favorable. We all participate as a family. And it brought us together as a family.”