The Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY) is a two-year, home-based early learning and parenting program for families with young children. The Gippsland based program aims to bridge the gap to make a successful transition into school and beyond for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the region.
The program contributes to successful school participation and offers parents pathways to employment and local level community leadership. The parents are trained as tutors, and then train other parents in the community to teach their children. The program has been successful in getting children ready for school and improving the confidence of both the parents and children.
HIPPY recently held a graduation ceremony for the 25 children and 34 parents who have spent the past two years working to support their children’s learning. Program coordinator Susan Simpson said that graduating was a massive step for the participants and their parents. “It’s an acknowledgement of the huge amount of hard work everyone has put in. The program helps empower the community by increasing education and knowledge,” Ms Simpson said.
The HIPPY parents employed as tutors undergo developing their various skills. They have gained their driver’s licences, successfully applied for work and developed increased job readiness skills. The tutors have been able to assist their own children and broaden their horizons, but they have also become community leaders.
Gippsland Regional Director Jane Anderson said HIPPY was a great way of supporting fun education for children. “The success of the program has really come down to the dedication of the skilled tutors and parents, along with their connections to the community,”
Ms Anderson said. Anglicare Victoria is committed to increasing employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
Recruitment within the HIPPY program has resulted in the total number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees within Gippsland growing to 6.5%.
