2,227 children urgently need support before they head back to school.

Our Programs
- Literacy programs
  Providing resources and support to help children living with disadvantage achieve the required reading standard.
- Technology programs
  Providing children and young people living with disadvantage with the critical skills, access, and equipment they need.
- Numeracy programs
  We support early years educators and community professionals in building foundational math skills in children under their care.
- Learning for Life
  Learning for Life is an innovative, evidence-based program that supports students throughout their education to achieve positive long-term outcomes for young people experiencing disadvantage.
- Mentoring programs
  Mentoring programs for students living with disadvantage that provide the encouragement they need to build aspirations for their future.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs
  Our work engages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in learning through education, life skills and role models, promoting culturally responsive practice.
Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
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Get Involved
- Ways to fundraise
  Learn about fundraising and give back to the community with The Smith Family.
- Volunteer with us
  Share your skills to help Australian children in need transform their lives through education.
- Corporate partnerships
  Corporate partnerships give young Australians in need the chance to change their futures through educational support. Discover how you can join forces with The Smith Family to create a mutually-beneficial, impactful partnership.
- Careers
  We aim to provide a working environment where staff and volunteers have the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
- Events
  Participate in events and activities that support young Australians experiencing disadvantage.
- VIEW Clubs of Australia
  Learn about VIEW, a leading women’s volunteer organisation and support network with over 13,000 members, across Australia.
Ways to Give
- Sponsor a child
  Through child sponsorship, you will be matched to an Australian child in need, helping to support the cost of their school essentials.
- A gift in your will
  Ensure that future generations of Australian children have the support they need to make the most of their education.
- Monthly donation
  Become a monthly donor and provide continual support throughout all stages of a child’s education.
- Philanthropic giving
  Through your philanthropy, you can ensure that young Australians impacted by poverty get the education that all children deserve.
- Single donation
  Your donation will help young Australians in need by providing access to our Learning for Life education support programs.
- Workplace giving
  Making small, regular donations to The Smith Family through Workplace Giving is an easy way to help change the lives of young Australians living in poverty.
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Child Sponsorship
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Big dreams, big futures

19 January 2023

We asked nine children one simple question: ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’

Provided with a large costume box, 5-year-old Winston instantly selected the Doctor’s coat.

While the other kids explored their options, playing with the toys and accessories, Winston was already attentively examining a stethoscope.

“I want to be a doctor when I grow up,” the eager 5-year-old exclaimed. “[because] I want to make people better.”

What I love about children at this age is their endless energy and curiosity

Jo Carter, Project Manager of Early Years at The Smith Family

From aspiring vets and firefighters; to astronauts and superheroes, these nine children remind us of the power of imagination and the importance of nurturing the aspirations of young people.

The Smith Family is committed to empowering children to unlock their full potential through education. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background, and it’s our mission to provide the support and resources needed to help young people achieve their dreams.

We are passionate about nurturing that curiosity and helping young people to achieve their aspirations, regardless of what they are.

Jo Carter, Project Manager of Early Years at The Smith Family

The Smith Family has the ability to change lives, and you can see that with our incredible cohort of alumni, working now as doctors, lawyers, teachers and more.

Jo Carter, Project Manager of Early Years at The Smith Family

drawing of a red heart being held by two hands. The hands are outlined in blue with red diagonal stripes on the inner side. The heart is positioned above the hands, symbolizing care, love, or support

As we look ahead to the future, we want even more children to have the opportunity to dream big and unlock their full potential.

As part of our Five-Year Strategy, we aspire to almost double the reach of our Learning for Life sponsorship program– from 59,000 students to 100,000 students nationally.

But we can’t do this without your help. Please sponsor an Australian child today.

How sponsorship helps

School essentials

Financial support to pay for stationery, backpacks, shoes and a complete school uniform, as well as school books and extra-curricular activities like school excursions.
Local, personalised support

Your sponsored child will be paired with one of our Learning for Life Coordinators who offers support with their schooling and links them to local learning opportunities.
Access to additional learning support

Ongoing access to our out-of-school learning and mentoring programs to help students build the skills to thrive at school and beyond.

Big dreams, big futures

How sponsorship helps

School essentials

Local, personalised support

Access to additional learning support