Macarthur Diversity Services is one of many Australian groups who conduct the Home Interaction Programme for Parents of youngsters (Hippy). Established in Israel in the late 1970’s it has internationally spread to a point where Australia alone has 51 local schools and 3,500 children have been helped. In Australia it operates under the auspices of the Brotherhood of Ft. Laurence. The emphasis is upon the most disadvantaged families. (The programme has been outstanding in remote aboriginal communities)

Our local project is focused on Claymore. For a two year period 4 and 5 year olds undertake a weekly education project in conjunction with their families. Some parents are selected as tutors and they in turn go through the lesson book with the parents to encourage a total family involvement. Parents have two meetings a fortnight one with the tutor and another joint parents’ gathering.

In the course of a year over 40 young people have graduated and it was moving to see the parents simultaneously recognised. Some parents have had very limited chances in life themselves are helped by this scheme, it encourages them to assist their children in life.