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At The Smith Family, we believe that education is one of the world’s most powerful change agents.

That’s why we focus on helping young Australians to overcome educational inequality caused by poverty. As a national, independent charity, every day we work with thousands of children and their families to help them unlock better futures for themselves.

Ways to give

The problem

1.2 million

Australian children and young people living in poverty today.1

30%

lower Year 12 completion rate for disadvantaged students.2

2 years

or more behind in reading and maths by the time they are in Year 9.3

Making a difference

162,534

disadvantaged children and young people received support through Smith Family programs last year.

62,822

Australian students supported through our Learning for Life sponsorships last year.

95%

of children in our student2student reading program improved their reading age last year.

Smith Family stories

Sponsoring a child delivers the best educational outcomes

85.7%

School attendance rate for primary school age Learning for Life students.

66%

of Learning for Life students advance from year 10 to completing year 12.

85%

of Learning for Life students engaged in employment, education or training, two and a half years after leaving school.

Latest news

Digital inequality is the new frontier of educational disadvantage this anti-poverty week
13 October 2024
Find out more
 2024 NAPLAN results show there is no time to wait for urgent education reforms.
14 August 2024
Find out more
Locked out of learning: poverty limits access to essential digital skills and tools for youth
05 August 2024
Find out more

Conversations with The Smith Family 

Hear more from Doug Taylor, CEO as he talks to those involved in the different areas of our work. In this special series of interviews, Doug brings to life the experiences of our students, their families, our volunteers and our supporters. Learn more.

We are committed to child safety

The Smith Family is committed to safeguarding children and young people from abuse and neglect as we work with their families and communities.

We will provide safe environments; always act in the best interests of children; and take action to protect children and other vulnerable persons from abuse and neglect.

More stories

Talon learnt about careers he didn't even know existed.

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The support James received had a life-changing impact

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Roghayeh is now a budding human rights lawyer

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Get involved

1 Poverty in Australia, 2020, ACOSS/UNSW Report.
The Grattan Institute. Sonnemann, J., Hunter, J. (2023) Tackling under-achievement.
3 Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, 2008, Review of Australian Higher Education Final Report.