Frequently asked questions
Browse the sections below for answers to frequently asked questions about The Smith Family.
Learning for Life
- What is the Learning for Life Scholarship
- How do families get on the program
- What does a Learning for Life Worker do?
- What information does a sponsor receive about their student?
- Can a student and sponsor write to each other?
- How long can a student stay on the program?
- Why do students leave the program?
- How many years has the program been running?
- How many students are on the Learning for Life program?
- If I sponsor a child today, when will I be matched with a student?
- How long does my sponsorship last?
- I sponsor a child, where does my money go?
- When will I get my receipt?
1. What is the Learning for Life Scholarship
The scholarship provides families with the financial assistance they need to make the most of the learning opportunities at school. It helps families pay for school uniforms and shoes, text books and excursions for their children.
2. How do families get on the program
Learning for Life scholarships are provided on the basis of need, not academic achievement, though tertiary students must meet their course requirements. Based on the values of equity and opportunity, the program embodies the Australian concept of "a fair go" and aims to help each individual student realise their own potential - regardless of academic ability. Families must meet specific eligibility criteria and be willing to enter and maintain a partnership with The Smith Family based on mutual respect, accountability and contribution. Families are usually referred to the program by local agencies such as the school.
3. What does a Learning for Life Worker do?
Learning for Life Workers are located in communities where Learning for Life operates. There are more than 133 Learning for Life Workers currently working in 95 locations across Australia. They are trained professionals with backgrounds in education, social work or psychology. Learning for Life Workers work closely with the students and their families and link them to support programs offered by The Smith Family and other local agencies or community groups. Learning for Life Workers try to build community capacity by collaborating with local groups and organisations to ensure that the services delivered are relevant and meet the needs of the individual community.
4. What information does a sponsor receive about their student?
All students personally complete a Student Profile which is updated annually. It provides information including the student's first name and age, the subjects they are studying and their hobbies. Younger children may provide a drawing. Students also personally complete a Questionnaire each year, which provides information about the student's academic and personal progress throughout the past school year.
5. Can a student and sponsor write to each other?
Yes. We encourage sponsors and students to exchange cards and letters throughout the year. All correspondence is exchanged through The Smith Family to maintain privacy and confidentiality.
6. How long can a student stay on the program?
Students can be on the program until they have completed their tertiary studies as long as they continue to meet the eligibility criteria and continue to commit to the partnership.
7. Why do students leave the program?
Students may exit the program because they complete their studies, move overseas or because their family's financial circumstances improve and they are no longer eligible to participate in the program. In this case, the sponsor will be contacted and given the opportunity to transfer to another student.
8. How many years has the program been running?
The program began as a pilot at the suggestion of families in 1988 with 60 students receiving support from The Smith Family. In 1991 we introduced the sponsorship program.
9. How many students are on the Learning for Life program?
Each year we have been able to increase the number of students receiving support. Since 1988 The Smith Family has delivered the Learning for Life program to over 40,000 students. Today it supports over 24,000 students in 95 communities.
10. If I sponsor a child today, when will I be matched with a student?
You will be matched with a student within two weeks, pending the availability of a student at the level of education you request - Primary, Junior Secondary, Senior Secondary or Tertiary. If there is no student available you will be notified and providing with other sponsorship options.
11. How long does my sponsorship last?
Your sponsorship will automatically continue until you advise us that you wish to discontinue. During your sponsorship you may be allocated to different students. We will always inform you when this happens.
12. I sponsor a child, where does my money go?
100% of your contribution benefits your sponsored child by providing direct financial assistance to cover school-related expenses and Learning for Life program costs. These include a Learning for Life professional who facilitates opportunities such as: Homework and computer clubs, mentoring, coaching and tutoring, reading support and financial literacy programs, social, sporting and cultural activities and camps. We cover the costs of the program such as marketing and administration through our fundraising activities, including the profits we generate from our Commercial Enterprise.