Over one million Canadian children are at risk of NOT being prepared for kindergarten because their families struggle with conditions of poverty and low levels of literacy.

The HIPPY childhood development program addresses the diverse needs of these families to maximize the educational potential of their pre-school children.

HIPPY Canada is about helping parents learn how easy, fun and rewarding it is to teach their children at home.

HIPPY Canada Video

The HIPPY Canada Mothers Matter Series

Beatrice's Story

Robin: Her road to becoming a community leader.

In 2009, Robin Green was elected to the band council of the Katzie First Nation in Pitt Meadows, where she is responsible for the Education and Health portfolio. If you had told Robin this a few years ago, she might not have believed you.

Growing up, she had few books to read. Her mom left school in grade 7, with low literacy skills and negative associations with education. This meant that Robin had no help with homework and certainly no encouragement to reach for the “As” on her report card. Her mother didn’t know how to help her. When Robin was 16, she dropped out of high school. When she was 19, her first baby, a beautiful little girl, was born. Fourteen months later, she gave birth to her son. It was at this point that life started to change for Robin. She decided to go back to school and the HIPPY program was introduced on the Katzie First Nation. A young mom wanting to break a negative cycle, Robin jumped at the chance to become a HIPPY home visitor.

Through the opportunity, her children experienced HIPPY. “We read books every day and did the activities together. It was such an enjoyable time for us. The change was almost immediate. Vocabulary was boosted and confidence went up,” says Robin. Her children are now 11 and 12. There are “As” on their report cards. And Robin is working full time as a HIPPY coordinator. Robin’s experience is not the exception. While everyone’s story is different, HIPPY consistently provides a real solution for Canada’s low-income and socially excluded families.

GIVING: How Each of Us Can Change the World

Bill Clinton
"I wish there were HIPPY programs in every community with a significant number of single mothers or poor, undereducated parents. Anyone who has ever been to a HIPPY graduation ceremony and seen the pride and self-confidence of both parents and children would agree. Even if you are not a parent of a preschool aged child, you can take the lead in bringing HIPPY to your home town, volunteer to be a home visitor, or support them with money or other services." (Clinton: 2007, p. 73)


Debbie Bell, executive director HIPPY Canada, Miriam Chandia, Britannia home visitor and Robin Green, Aboriginal Consortium coordinator meet Bill Clinton on November 1, 2007 in Vancouver, BC.

Patron

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston
C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D
Governor General of Canada




HIPPY Canada gratefully acknowledges our funders and donors for their generous support.









(Anonymous donor)