Official Page of HDI Open University Program; www.hdevintl.org
The HDI Open University Program is part of the organization's character and capability enhancement program. Aimed as observing the concept of "human development"; ":enlarging people's (members) choices as agent of development and the recipient of the results of the development processes" at HDI. This program is exclusive to members a
s to make them effective movers of development that put people as the central focus and ultimate end in an ecologically balanced development - as not to jeopardize the ability of Mother to sustain life. HDI Open University Program is a revolutionary multi-media educational program specifically designed for members of the Human Development International aimed at enhancing their knowledge and advocacy skills in advancing its mission towards fostering sustainable human development without jeopardizing the ability of Mother Nature to sustain life. Formerly Human Development Advocates Foundation, Inc.. HDI aims to support United Nations and government thrust on sustainable human development - a concept that put people as the central focus and ultimate end in development. Rationale of HDI's Establishment
Making landfall and interconnecting people worldwide for a common direction to save humanity and the Living Planet Earth
Today, it is alarming to note that a number of countries that have achieved a high GNP growth rate are beset by multifarious problems; - a large segment of their population is suffering from grieve socio-economic deprivation. Many of their constituents are afflicted by diseases, AIDS, drug addiction, social decadence, unemployment and family breakdown. That is further aggravated by high population growth rate, increase in criminality, homelessness and people loosing confidence on its leaders, democratic institutions; and the future, - due to poor governance. Yet there are low income countries that have exhibited high level of human development by skillfully using available means to expand human capabilities. This shows that high GNP growth rate or income has no direct link in enhancing human well-being whereby we can say that income is only a means in achieving human development. Following examples of these counties show the need to skillfully use available means to expand human capabilities and for government to establish an enabling environment for people to explore their human potentials to the fullest. Cognizance of the fact, that people are the source of ideas, strength, and the power to create and expand possibilities for countries to achieve high level of human development. These facts lead to the establishment of the Human Development International that aims to support United Nations and government thrust on sustainable human development - a concept that put people as the central focus and ultimate end in development; - a development that does not jeopardize the ability of our mountains’, seas’ and natural resources’ to sustain life. The Evolving Concept Centered on Human Character
The Human Development International since its inception has evolved from a typical organization, - to a platform that optimizes human potentials and expands capabilities toward human development. In essence, HDI has become a "way of life" as it set code of beliefs and practices that hasten the development of its members' character to become effective movers for change toward peace consciousness, human development and the preservation of Mother Nature. It encourages members to re-configure one's character that's conducive in achieving goals by looking into the negative conditionings of the past and other factors that governed character formation in order to become a new person in accord with the kind of personality of his choosing, has command with, and bring out the best in oneself as a human being. In the human development concept adopted by the United Nations, it has integrated "character formation" aside from access to education; long and healthy life; and acquisition of resources for a decent standard of living as an important criterion to achieve a high level of human development. HDI believes, that character is vital in achieving success or the kind of life one wants to have in the future; - and thus the "character of group of individuals" determines the kind of society they'll live in. Character formation calls for vigilance in thwarting negative influences and "self-centeredness" that pollute one's character, -and setting an enabling environment for such character and personality to grow. It is for this reason that the Human Development International has put emphasis in the development of the human character towards achieving a better quality of life. The fact, - that people are the source of ideas, strength and the power to create and expand possibilities for an individual, group of individuals and/or organization to achieve goals. We can say then, that character is a means that's vital in achieving this end; - a character that recognizes beings' interconnectedness, interrelatedness and "interdependence" for people to live in harmony with other beings that's in accord with nature's law and processes. Further, HDI believes that life is a continuous search for truth knowing that one's perception changes with time; the fact that through time and distance one can see things more clearly. Thus, one must continuously prod the veracity of one's perception and the direction he is pursuing as to be able to make adjustments as one trudge forward in his lifetime travel. This also calls for foresight, to be able to see what lies ahead and charts one's path that avoids obstacle and inequities; - lifetime travel that leaves no things to chance knowing that life is what you make. Further be able to seize opportunities decisively showing confidence and flexibility to achieve goals with objectivity and the practicality of times; that's devoid of emotionality. Further, an HDIan adheres to the fact, that "time is short and uncertain" that one should live life to the fullest thus makes every new day dawn of his life shine the best in oneself for tomorrow might not come. And when that time comes which we don't know when, one can close his eyes peacefully, knowing that he has lived life to the fullest and in peace with other beings. Indeed, character is a means in achieving life's fulfillment. In society, no amount of effort and money can achieve a high level of human development, if people don’t have the proper character and the will to achieve it, a challenge we have to face.
