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Australian's urged to help disadvantaged children achieve at school

17 May 2016

Growing up in disadvantage can significantly impact on a child’s education, placing them at risk of disengaging from school with devastating long-term consequences, Australia’s largest children’s education charity, The Smith Family, says.

The Smith Family launched its annual Winter Appeal today and aims to raise $3.65 million by 30 June to fund its crucial learning support programs for disadvantaged children.

The Smith Family’s CEO, Dr Lisa O’Brien, said: “Our 2016 Winter Appeal will deliver the vital funding we need to continue providing our learning support programs to 9,153 disadvantaged children in Australia.

“Without the ongoing generosity of the community, these young people will miss out on valuable out-of-school learning support that could mean the difference between them staying engaged at school, or falling further behind,” Dr O’Brien said.

“Many of the children we help are experiencing severe disadvantage on many levels. As well as financial stress, they are dealing with illness, disability and unemployment within their families. All of these difficulties they face can have a negative impact on their life at school.”

A new research report by The Smith Family has revealed the extent of challenges being faced by the 34,000 students it supports through its core educational program, Learning for Life.

All are living in low income families.

  • Over half live in a single parent family, with 6% living with other relatives or in foster care.
  • 6,000 or 18% are from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.
  • 40% of students and 50% of parents/carers have a health or disability issue.
  • 60% have a parent/carer who has not finished Year 12.
  • Over 70% have a parent/carer who is not in paid employment.
  • One in five students in Years 5 to 12 has attended four or more schools.

Dr O’Brien said: “Educational disadvantage begins early in a child’s life and continues through school and beyond. Research shows that a disadvantaged child is more likely to experience financial hardship as an adult.

“However, supporting a disadvantaged child’s education is one of the most effective ways to help them break the cycle of intergenerational disadvantage and improve their future employment, income, health and welfare prospects.

“Completing Year 12, or its equivalent, increases the likelihood that these young people will move into further study or employment, and create a better future for themselves.

“I urge the community to get behind our Winter Appeal. With your support, The Smith Family can ensure more young Australians get the educational support they need to make a real and lasting difference to their lives and break the cycle of disadvantage.

“By supporting the education of disadvantaged children, we can all play a part in ending poverty, one student at a time.”

Anyone wishing to donate to The Smith Family’s Winter Appeal can phone 1800 024 069 or visit www.thesmithfamily.com.au/donate

The Smith Family’s latest research report - Improving the educational outcomes of disadvantaged young Australians: The Learning for Life program is available here.