HIPPY helping out kids and mums
A programme that will have a major impact on young children is relaunching in Kaikohe.
Teraki Beattie, Dawn Shaw and Jessie Smith have signed up to roll out an interactive HIPPY programme from August 1 that helps parents and children aged from three to six year olds.
HIPPY stands for Home Interaction for Parents and Youngsters and was introduced to New Zealand by the Great Potentials Foundation.
The three mothers will visit mums and their children at home for an hour a fortnight where they will role play and introduce activities.
Parents and children also work together at home for 15 minutes a day throughout the 30 week programme.
A series of work books guides users through activities that can include learning about sounds, writing and other skills that prepare children for school life.
Group meetings with other parents and children also take place fortnightly where they learn about the next activity book.
The Kaikohe programme is facilitated by Te Hau Ora O Ngapuhi who will employ the mothers in a part time capacity.
Shaw says the initiative gives her an open mind about returning to the workforce.
‘‘This can help us see ourselves as more than just a stay at home mother and break the cycle and mindset that this is all we are.
‘‘It is my heart’s desire to work with young mothers and young children and HIPPY allows me to do that.’’
Coordinator Te Aroha Tiatoa-Sionemale says the programme not only gives preschool children an ‘‘educational boost’’ but the tutor mums gain valuable skills in coaching, mentoring and administration that can prepare them for future employment opportunities.
‘‘We are taking control of our children’s education.
‘‘Imagine these kids in the future, we are giving them a head start.’’
The HIPPY programme takes two years to complete and a graduation ceremony is held at its conclusion.
There are seven Northland providers of HIPPY from Wellsford to Kaitaia.
$1 a week allows you to be a part of HIPPY.
For more information contact Te Aroha Tiatoa-Sionemale 022 657 8903.