Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs How poverty holds Australians back
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1.2 million
Australian children and young people are living in poverty today.1 -
30% lower
Year 12 completion rate when students experience disadvantage.2 -
2+ years behind
in reading and maths by Year 9.3
Break the cycle of disadvantage
This Christmas, help Ruby get the learning support she needs.
Ruby is a smart, hardworking 7 year old girl and was always a stand out student
But after her mum tragically passed away, Ruby and her two younger brothers went to live with their grandmother, Ivy*. Ivy does everything she can for her grandchildren, but with only her pension to rely on, money is incredibly tight. Now, through no fault of her own, Ruby is growing up in poverty - and it’s affecting her education.
Despite working hard all year, Ruby has fallen behind at school and is worried about starting Year 3.
But after her mum tragically passed away, Ruby and her two younger brothers went to live with their grandmother, Ivy*. Ivy does everything she can for her grandchildren, but with only her pension to rely on, money is incredibly tight. Now, through no fault of her own, Ruby is growing up in poverty - and it’s affecting her education.
Despite working hard all year, Ruby has fallen behind at school and is worried about starting Year 3.
My teacher said going to Year 3 is exciting. I want to be good at school, but I’m worried it will be too hard.
Please give generously this Christmas, to help provide children like Ruby with access to proven out-of-school learning support from the start of the new school year.
Donate now Poverty should never limit a child’s potential.
Ruby is one of the 1 in 6 Australian children growing up in poverty.5 For too many children, poverty creates barriers to learning - from missing out on educational support to not having a quiet place to study.
These barriers can cause children to fall behind at school, affecting their confidence, education and future opportunities.
This Christmas, your donation can help children like Ruby access the learning support they need to catch up, keep up and fulfil their potential.
These barriers can cause children to fall behind at school, affecting their confidence, education and future opportunities.
This Christmas, your donation can help children like Ruby access the learning support they need to catch up, keep up and fulfil their potential.
Ruby’s grandmother is doing all she can. But she can’t give Ruby the vital learning support she really needs.
Ivy loves her grandchildren and wants the very best for them. But raising three young children on a modest pension is a real stretch, especially with the rising cost of living.
There isn’t enough space in Ivy’s small home for Ruby to have a desk or somewhere quiet to do her homework. And while Ivy goes above and beyond for her granddaughter, she doesn’t have the skills to give Ruby the help she needs with her schoolwork.
These everyday challenges are making it harder for Ruby to keep up at school, despite all her effort and determination.
There isn’t enough space in Ivy’s small home for Ruby to have a desk or somewhere quiet to do her homework. And while Ivy goes above and beyond for her granddaughter, she doesn’t have the skills to give Ruby the help she needs with her schoolwork.
These everyday challenges are making it harder for Ruby to keep up at school, despite all her effort and determination.
Ruby is such a smart kid and I see how hard she tries every day. But I feel like everything is stacked up against her. I hate that I can’t do more to help her.
Education is one of the most powerful agents of change.
For children experiencing disadvantage, the right educational support can make a lasting difference.
The Smith Family's evidence-based learning programs support children throughout their school years, helping them overcome the barriers poverty puts in the way of their education.
Your gift can help give a child like Ruby an equal chance to learn, thrive and fulfil their potential.
The Smith Family's evidence-based learning programs support children throughout their school years, helping them overcome the barriers poverty puts in the way of their education.
Your gift can help give a child like Ruby an equal chance to learn, thrive and fulfil their potential.
Your support can help Ruby start a new chapter next year.
There is so much potential in Ruby. But without the right support, she could begin Year 3 already behind her classmates — and without the confidence to believe she can catch up.
Early intervention and consistent, tailored support in a safe, encouraging environment can help children overcome the obstacles poverty puts in the way of their education.
With your help, children like Ruby can access proven out-of-school learning programs that help them catch up, keep up and make the most of their education.
This Christmas, you can help turn potential into possibility.
Early intervention and consistent, tailored support in a safe, encouraging environment can help children overcome the obstacles poverty puts in the way of their education.
With your help, children like Ruby can access proven out-of-school learning programs that help them catch up, keep up and make the most of their education.
This Christmas, you can help turn potential into possibility.
How your donation will help a student
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student2student
Through our student2student reading program, a child like Ruby can be paired with a trained reading buddy who provides regular peer-to-peer reading support.
For Ruby, it could mean building her reading skills and confidence with the encouragement of someone who supports her every step of the way.
94% of participants improve their reading.6 -
Learning Clubs
Learning Clubs give students a supportive place to do their homework and receive help from skilled volunteer tutors.
For Ruby, it could mean having somewhere quiet to study and someone there to help when her schoolwork becomes difficult.
84% of participants say attending Learning Clubs helps them do better in class.7
Meet Michelle
Michelle is a Programs Coordinator with The Smith Family, working closely with local schools to understand what their students need and connect them with tailored educational programs and support.
One of those programs is Learning Club – a safe and supportive after-school space where students can learn, try new things, build connections and simply enjoy being kids.
For Michelle, the difference can be visible from the moment children arrive.
One of those programs is Learning Club – a safe and supportive after-school space where students can learn, try new things, build connections and simply enjoy being kids.
For Michelle, the difference can be visible from the moment children arrive.
When she steps into Learning Club, she’s just this fresh child who gets to be a kid.
Michelle sees children arrive carrying worries from home or school, then run into Learning Club excited to be there. In that space, they can feel safe and supported, connect with people who choose to be there for them, and develop confidence in themselves and their learning.
And because Learning Clubs are tailored to their local community, the support can look different depending on what children need – from literacy and maths to homework support and hands-on, real-life learning activities.
And because Learning Clubs are tailored to their local community, the support can look different depending on what children need – from literacy and maths to homework support and hands-on, real-life learning activities.
Give a child the chance to achieve their best this Christmas.
Ruby is smart, hardworking and determined. Poverty shouldn’t be allowed to decide what she can achieve.
Your donation can help give children like Ruby access to the extra learning support they need today, so they can change their tomorrow.
Your donation can help give children like Ruby access to the extra learning support they need today, so they can change their tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions - Winter 2025
* Names have been changed to protect the family’s privacy.
1. The Smith Family (2022), Pulse Survey.
2. Parliament of Australia. The Extent and Nature of Poverty in Australia report. Chapter 4 – Child poverty.
3, 4. The Smith Family Program Outcomes Summary 2023/24.
5. The Smith Family (2022). Pathways, Engagement and Transitions: Initial post-school transitions among young people experiencing disadvantage.
1. The Smith Family (2022), Pulse Survey.
2. Parliament of Australia. The Extent and Nature of Poverty in Australia report. Chapter 4 – Child poverty.
3, 4. The Smith Family Program Outcomes Summary 2023/24.
5. The Smith Family (2022). Pathways, Engagement and Transitions: Initial post-school transitions among young people experiencing disadvantage.