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Back To School 2022 | The Smith Family

Amy is trying so hard

We all have hard days. Days where we have to put on a brave face and find that extra courage to do our best.

At just 8 years old, Amy has to do that every single day. Every time she walks through the school gates, she feels the weight of knowing she’s going to struggle.

All because she’s growing up in poverty and doesn’t have the essential resources and supplies or the support she needs to fit in and keep up.

I’m rubbish at school and the other kids think I’m boring. They laugh at me all the time 'cause all my stuff is old.
Amy, age 8

Amy’s family was plunged into sudden poverty when her dad was injured in a terrible motor accident. He now lives with severe disabilities and is no longer able to work, so Amy’s mum has become his full-time carer.

The family often struggles with paying for essentials like power and groceries, which makes life at home very hard at times. There is no money left over for the essentials like uniform, books and learning materials that Amy needs for school.

HELP A CHILD LIKE AMY
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Amy needs so much courage to keep trying her best, day after day.

Amy is never on a level playing field

I try to do my readers at home but I just can’t work them out. Dad’s sick and Mum’s so busy. I don’t want to bother anyone.
Amy

Amy is never on a level playing field

Amy is as hardworking and capable as any of her classmates. She is brimming with potential and has so much to offer – if only she can get the chance.

But growing up in poverty means Amy lives with daily hardships and stress other children don’t face.

Weighed down by worry or exhaustion, she often finds it hard to concentrate or take part in class. She spends her breaks sitting alone or hiding in the library because she stands out for all the wrong reasons.

At home, there’s no one with the time or skills to help her understand or catch up on what she’s missed.

For $52 per month^, your sponsorship combined with another sponsor can make a lasting difference to the life of a child like Amy. Together we can give some of Australia's most vulnerable children the support they urgently need.
SPONSOR NOW
^Important note: From 1 July 2022, the cost of sponsoring a child will change from $52 to $55 per month to ensure the families and students we help can keep up with the rising costs of living and education. Since our last price review over three years ago, the average cost of goods and services has increased by five per cent.2 For a struggling family, this makes it even harder to afford the school essentials they need. By increasing the sponsorship payment, we can help ensure our students are supported to get the most out of their education. For more information, please review our Frequently Asked Questions.

How long can Amy keep trying her best?

Girl hiding in library
Children like Any need ongoing and targeted learning support so they can get the most out of their education.

How long can Amy keep trying her best?

Amy is one of the 1 in 6 children in Australia who are growing up in poverty.1

Many of these children will be behind before they even set foot through the school gates for this new school year. In the years ahead, the gap may widen rapidly.

Imagine how demoralising it must be to see your classmates pulling ahead, no matter how hard you work.

Amy is already starting to question the point of trying so hard. How long will it be before she loses all motivation – and with it her chance to get the most from her education.

YOU CAN MAKE SURE POVERTY DOESN’T STOP AMY REACHING HER POTENTIAL

Transform a child’s life

As a child sponsor, you can help a child like Amy catch up, fit in, and rebuild their confidence. You can make sure they have access to the long-term educational support they need.

Research has shown that early intervention and balanced, ongoing support throughout their education improves life outcomes for a student living with disadvantage.2

If you sponsor a child like Amy today, you can give them that crucial support – and a greater chance of attending school regularly, completing their education to Year 12, and going on to pursue a fulfilling career.3

SPONSOR NOW
Amy looking despondent in classroom
Through no fault of her own, poverty is robbing children like Amy of the opportunities and supports they need to get the most out of their education.

Amy’s so worried about going back to school. I hate what she’s going through because of our situation. I just wish I could help her.
Leanne, Amy's mum

how sponsorship helps a disadvantaged australian child

Financial support
Give Amy the out-of-school learning support she needs to catch up.
Guidance and support
Help Amy keep up and stay motivated throughout her school life.
Access to out-of-school educational opportunities
Give Amy access to extra learning support throughout her school life.
Please sponsor an Australian child like Amy today and give them the life-changing support they need to fulfil their potential and break the cycle of poverty.
JOIN OUR SPONSOR FAMILY NOW

FIND OUT MORE

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About child sponsorship

Get more information on how child sponsorship with The Smith Family works.
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Student stories

Hear from the children who are sponsored through The Smith Family.
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Our learning programs 

Read about how The Smith Family works with communities around Australia.
* Amy's name, location and associated images have been changed to protect their identity.
1 Poverty in Australia, 2020, ACOSS/UNSW overview report.
2 James Heckman and Flavio Cunha, 2007.
3 Access Economics 2005, The economic benefit of increased participation in education and training. Dusseldorp Skills Forum and Business Council of Australia, Sydney.