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2,500 child sponsors needed across Australia by March end

08 February 2016

Strong demand for educational support for children living in some of the nation’s poorest communities is behind a new push by Australia’s leading children’s education charity, The Smith Family, to attract 2,500 new child sponsors by the end of March.

The Smith Family’s CEO, Dr Lisa O’Brien, said while the charity supported 34,000 disadvantaged children across the country through its Learning for Life sponsorship program, the need was so much greater.

“The reality is there are 638,000 children living in financial disadvantage across Australia who would have much better life outcomes if they could be supported throughout their education,” Dr O’Brien said.

“Our sponsors are generous Australians passionate about changing the path of an Australian child’s future.

“For just $1.70 each per day, they are providing a significant and much-needed investment in the long-term future of children at serious risk of a lifetime of poverty without their support.

“We are talking about children in Australia who are growing up in extreme hardship, in low-income families that struggle to provide even the basic necessities at home, let alone for school. These children are unlikely to have a parent who has completed high school. Their families may also be dealing with the challenges of sickness, disability or unemployment.

“When a child’s circumstances are this tough, their educational outcomes are likely to suffer. This includes starting school already behind, not having the items to fit in and limited positive role models to guide their study or career paths.

“So with the support of the Australian public, our child sponsors, we work to ensure disadvantaged children get the long-term assistance they need to attend school, engage in their learning and complete Year 12.

“Education really is the enabler that will show these children they can create a better future and it is the best chance they have to avoid a lifetime of disadvantage.”

The Smith Family’s sponsorship program provides three components to help a child succeed at school:

  • Financial support to pay for books, shoes, a complete school uniform and excursions.
  • The support of a Smith Family Learning for Life Coordinator who works with the child’s family and school and provides links to local services.
  • Access to out-of-school learning support programs for homework reading and mentoring.

Dr O’Brien urged members of the Australian community to consider becoming a child sponsor and help make a real and lasting difference to a child’s future.

“I am always heartened to meet the students who are thriving at school after being supported through The Smith Family,” Dr O’Brien said. “But I know there are so many other others who would also benefit from our help.

“With your support we can help change the lives of thousands more children who are growing up in disadvantage. Without you, things will never change.”