HIPPY families graduate with new skills for life in city’s northern suburbs

Sixteen families have graduated from a two-year program teaching valuable life skills in Geelong’s northern suburbs.
HIPPY, or Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters, farewelled its 2015 graduates at a celebration last week.
Sixty-four participants, also including carers, completed the course, said HIPPY co-ordinator Rob Evans.
“It’s a two-year journey that parents/carers and kindergarten children embark on together to develop a love of learning, curiosity and persistence,” he said.
“HIPPY offers learning opportunities to builds skills, develops self-esteem and even offers participating adults the chance to work in the program, thus providing employment pathways and new opportunities.”
Mr Evans said last week’s celebration presented graduates with certificates, T-shirts, completed work folios and a commemorative pot “in recognition of their hard work and dedication”.
“The ceremony was followed by a mini festival that included a sausage sizzle, face painting, nature clay creations, planting a flower, making fruit sculptures and traditional rice paper roll making.
“A fantastic night was had by all involved.”
Mr Evans said the graduates “looked proud and pleased with how far they had come”.
“The skills and approaches that families have learnt will continue to be of value as parents/carers and children continue their learning journeys at school and beyond.”
Mr Evans asked anyone wanting to enrol for 2016 to phone him on 0419 039 869.