O’Hana’s programs are based on the Reggio Emilia Approach, an innovative and inspiring approach to early childhood education. Founded by Loris Malaguzzi, the Reggio Approach shares some of the values of the better-known Waldorf and Montessori schools but unlike these methods, Reggio is not a philosophy with a set system of beliefs. Rather it’s an approach based around certain fundamental values about how children learn.  

Malaguzzi believed children are deeply embeded in one particular culture and this belief supports the ways we, at O’Hana,  apply international education within the beauty and wonder of the Vietnamese culture. We apply our own adaption of the Reggio Emilia in our approach because there is a strong focus on social collaboration, working in groups, where each child is an equal participant, having their thoughts and questions valued. The adult is not the giver of knowledge. We listen to our children and their stories and provide opportunities for them to explore their own thoughts about the world. Much attention is given to detailed observation and documentation of learning and the learning process takes priority over the final product. It is a model that demonstrates a strong relationship between school and community and provides a remarkable programme for professional development.