Leap into learning with HIPPY

Do you live in and around Launceston and care for a child who was born in 20201? Anglicare Tasmania is taking expressions of interest for next year’s free, home-based program that will get them ready for the classroom. 

It will also open up opportunities for the whole family to connect with their local community.

“Every home is potentially a rich learning environment,” says Aparna Banerjee, Program Coordinator of the Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY).

“HIPPY gives parents the confidence, skills and resources to set their children up for success that can last a lifetime,” she said. “It also offers opportunities for whole families – including grandparents and siblings – to come together for excursions and meet-ups in the local community. This can open up a new world for families who have recently moved to the area or who have English as their second language,” said Aparna.

Families enrolled in the HIPPY program are provided with activity packs, storybooks and learning resources that are based on the Tasmanian Government’s Early Years framework. HIPPY fits easily into daily life, requiring parents and children to spend just 10-15 minutes each day on play-based and educational activities together at home. They are matched up with a tutor – a parent who has previously gone through the program – to help them on their journey.

A roadmap to success

Trish O’Duffy is the General Manager of the Northern Suburbs Community Centre that operates across the Launceston suburbs of Rocherlea, Mayfield, Newnham, Mowbray and Invermay. The Centre hosted the HIPPY program last year and she described it as ‘transformative’.

“Each week at our centre, parents received a new set of activities and materials designed to enhance their child’s literacy, numeracy, and language skills,” she said. “From interactive storybooks to hands-on maths games, every activity was carefully crafted to engage and inspire. Many of our local parents described the profound impact the program had on their family through fostering a love for learning in a fun and inclusive way.

Some parents were a bit uncertain about coming along, and it was mixed with a bit of anxiety about trying something new and meeting new people.  The impetus for them coming was their wish to provide their child with the best possible start in their educational journey. The HIPPY program coordinator, Aparna, stepped in, offering a warm welcome, guidance, support and a roadmap to success.

Everyone is welcome

Dilip is a member of the Nepalese-Bhutanese community. Previously a tutor, his second child is currently enrolled in the program.

“HIPPY helps us to prepare our children for school and helps parents to connect with other families and communities,” he says.

Yulanda (pictured above with enrolled student Sunny) is one of Anglicare’s tutors. She was first introduced to the program in 2022, as the parent of a child enrolled in the program. She became a tutor the following year, and explains that it’s her role to support and empower parents to become their child’s first educator.

“At HIPPY we encourage children’s curiosity and interest in the world around them,” she says. “We recognise that each child learns and develops in different ways at different times. We encourage the use of natural materials as a way of teaching each child to respect and care for Country.

“As tutors we develop a close rapport with enrolled families. And on a personal level, I’ve learnt so much about the different cultures within our community here in Launceston.”

Building a brighter future

Trish O’Duffy urges families to talk to Aparna at Anglicare Tasmania about the program.

To any family considering joining HIPPY, I can wholeheartedly say: do not hesitate! Embrace this opportunity with open arms and watch as it transforms not only your child’s future but your family’s as well. HIPPY isn’t just a program; it’s a gift, one that has the power to shape lives and inspire dreams. You will build a brighter future for your children.

Would you like to join the HIPPY community?

If you have very young children, we can put you on the waiting list for future intakes. In order to be accepted into the program in 2025, your child needs have been born in 2021.

For further information, contact Aparna at Anglicare Tasmania on 1800 243 232.

Keep an eye on the Northern Suburbs Community Centre Facebook page to stay up to date with community events and other opportunities.

Background:

Funded by the Department of Social Services and licensed by Brotherhood of St. Laurence, HIPPY has been delivered by Anglicare in Launceston and its greater suburbs since 2009. To date, 387 families have successfully completed the two-year program.