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One in six Canadian children still live in poverty.
- Campaign 2000
Poverty is a Problem in Canada
Canada?s national poverty rates remain at intolerable levels. According to the 2006 United Nations Human Development report 18.8 percent of Canadians live below the poverty line.

One in six Canadians lack functional literacy skills.
- Movement for Canadian Literacy (MCL)
Poverty is Linked to Low Literacy
The MCL reports that Canada?s high rate of illiteracy is symptomatic of deep and widespread social inequality and exclusion resulting, in a large degree, from poverty. MCL argues that low-literacy, poverty and exclusion are all part of the same problem.

Canada's Children are at Risk
The short and long-term health, social, and economic development of over one million Canadian children is being compromised, as is the cognitive ability of future generations. The most relevant of MCL's findings is the assertion that children from low-income families are at risk of having literacy problems and their parents lack the capacity to advocate for their children in the school system.

An International Program - A Community-Driven Solution
HIPPY believes all children need and will benefit from effective early childhood development programs. However, the creation of a universally accessible system requires a myriad of services that will effectively take into account the diverse needs, interests and abilities of families seeking support.

The Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) program was developed in Israel in 1969 as an evidence-based, community-driven response specifically designed for the literacy needs of families living on low-incomes and the lack of their children's school-readiness. HIPPY recognizes the parent as their child's first and best teacher. HIPPY then empowers parents with a fun, flexible and easy-to-follow format that helps them teach their children and prepare them for the demands of primary school.

Research and experience proves that the HIPPY program increases children's readiness to succeed in school by developing a parents' ability to teach with confidence. Focusing on the parents also fosters parental change in regard to their own self-worth, literacy levels and community involvement.

Today the HIPPY program is embraced and employed by nine countries that serve over 22,000 families. In Canada, our educational system effectively accommodates the learning and life styles of the 1:5 Canadians who struggle with conditions of intergenerational poverty and low levels of literacy.

HIPPY Fundraiser Event

Join us for our HIPPY Canada Dinner Honouring Hershell Ezrin
When: Tuesday 29 March 2011
WHere: Sheraton Centre Hotel Toronto
More information: Catherine Morrow, 416 908-4466
To Donate to the event:
To Purchase Event ticket:
Table Options

HIPPY News

HIPPY is 10 years old
and still growing. Take a look at our 10 year commemorative document to see how far we've come.
Click here for the full document.

HIPPY Canada/Thompson Rivers University - Open Learning Partnership Program for HIPPY Home Visitors
HIPPY Canada is pleased to announce that the HIPPY Home Visitor training program has been awarded 15 APST (Applied Studies) credits at the 100 level (first year college) to any HIPPY Home Visitor who satisfactorily completes the 30 week, full-time training program at the HIPPY sites that have been in existence for 3 years or more with a suitably qualified Coordinator. These credits can be used as appropriate towards an Thompson Rivers University - Open Learning credential; acceptability will vary with the choice of credential.

HIPPY Canada is happy to offer this program to the Home Visitors as a fulfillment of our promise to promote their professional and personal growth and in turn their contribution to a healthy, thriving and inclusive community.

Bond to Literacy
Many Canadian parents want to support their children’s learning, but don’t have the skills and resources to do so. The Bond to Literacy program works with other Canadian not-for-profit organizations to improve the literacy levels of geographically isolated, low-income and/or disadvantaged families and children. Staff at partner organizations are resourced and trained to help parents to instill the love of reading in their children thereby, helping prepare the children for school. Bond to Literacy is funded by Human Resources and Social Development Canada.

Practicing Citizenship
This project is a partnership between HIPPY Canada, HIPPY Britannia, Multicultural Helping House & MOSAIC, and is designed to support the participation of newcomer women in Canadian society. The project draws on all of the partners’ rich and varied experience of working with immigrant and refugee communities. The program systematically blends theory and skills for public participation with a guided opportunity to apply this knowledge to real life challenges through community based projects. Practicing Citizenship is funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada


HIPPY Events in 2010

September 20-24, 2010
Pre-Service Training in Toronto

November 1-5, 2010
HIPPY Conference and AGM in Ottawa


HIPPY Canada Board

The following Officers have been elected for the 2010-2011 term:

Tim Casgrain - Chair
Ann Cowan - Treasurer
Janet Crawford - Secretary
Sheldon Ehrenworth
Henry Green
Stephen Herbert
Judith Moses - Past Chair
Carol Slater
Claire Sumerlus
Richard Stursberg
Miriam Westheimer - Ex-officio


HIPPY Canada
Charitable Tax Number


863188538 RR0001