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“At first I cried. I wasn’t too happy with it. My whole teenage years and… like I was throwing it away and stuff.”
“But the more I get to know her… I don’t regret anything. Like I love having a kid. I love having responsibilities at this age that’s like, ‘I got to do it’.”
Godfroid was referred to Brave’s Young Dads program through his partner, who is a Supporting and Expecting Parenting Teens (SEPT) Program participant. He was connected with his Mentor, Oliver, who has been a positive support in this new chapter of his life.
“It just helps having that someone else there that’s like a bit older than you, that can be like ‘okay, let’s do this, let’s do that’. It’s just great having someone else to talk to. Just really lifts that pressure off you.”
Despite the demands that come with being a young dad, he’s learning that imperfection is a part of the journey.
“Just like, making the right choices and being okay with failing and stuff because like, I’m not perfect and, I’m thinking for three people. So it’s like, it’s a lot of pressure on. But I love it. Like I love it. I definitely love it.”
He says the village of support he’s found through Brave has made working towards his goals a lot easier, and he values the consistent and transparent support his mentor gives him.
“Brave has definitely helped me a lot, because it would have been 10 times harder if I didn’t have that support network around me.”
“Like he [Oliver] does everything in his power to be like, okay, ‘Imma help like this, here’s what we can do’. And he doesn’t sugarcoat anything.”
With Oliver’s support, Godfroid has already set and achieved some exciting goals since starting in the program, including enrolling in a Cert IV in Community Services.
“I want to help people out in exactly the same position as I am, because like I felt hopeless at some times… But you know, if I can be there for someone else as Oli is for me, it’s like, it’s me repaying my debts to, to people like Oli that help me out.”
“And it’s just like, if I can solve problems I see in my community and I can be a part of the solution, I want to.”
Now, Godfroid is focussed on completing his studies and being a loving, supportive partner and dad.
His advice for other young dads who may just be beginning their journey into fatherhood? You don’t have to do it alone!
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help… Like, you know, we’re all human beings at the end of the day. Yes, you want to take it on your shoulders and stuff but it’s like life is tough man, But don’t be afraid to ask for help. Like, there’s communities out here like Brave that willing to help you tooth and nails.”
Godfroid’s mentor, Oliver, has been proud to walk alongside him on his parenting journey, seeing his dedicated but joyful approach to parenting
“Godfroid is an extremely caring and thoughtful young father. He is able to reflect on the ups and downs of his parenting journey and learn from them to be the best father he can.
While working with Godfroid, I have witnessed his gentle and playful parenting approach, his love for his daughter is evident in the way he guides her through life milestones and teaches her new skills as she grows.
Godfroid has aspirations for his future and is dedicated to providing and supporting his family with love, care and joy.”
Godfroid’s story is the centre of our Father’s Day campaign because his journey shows us what happens when young dads are backed to back themselves. They can build the confidence and skills to help them manage the pressures of fatherhood and chase after their goals, all while being loving and supportive dads.