Digital inequality is locking children out of learning.

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- 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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  Share your skills to help Australian children in need transform their lives through education.
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  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.
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  Ensure that future generations of Australian children have the support they need to make the most of their education.
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  Become a monthly donor and provide continual support throughout all stages of a child’s education.
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  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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Empowering families, together

24 September 2025

a smith family learning for life coordinator wearing a maroon sweater and wearing a lanyard with indigenous art print

Learning for Life Coordinator Caroline never knows what each day will bring.

“Sometimes I call a family for a quick check-in, and it turns out it was the exact right moment to call,” she says. “They tell me they’re experiencing challenges that are affecting their child’s education, so we meet and work out a plan.”

Learning for Life Coordinators like Caroline are an amazing resource Australian families can access as part of your sponsorship.

As soon as a school identifies a student in need, Caroline swings into action. From then on, she is there to support them every step of the way. Removing obstacles to their learning and helping them to stay motivated.

“I provide a lot of emotional support and encouragement. I also help families to work with their child’s school and match students with our learning programs,” says Caroline. “Sometimes, I link families with different services. It’s all about making sure nothing stands in the way of children making the most of their education.”

“What I love about my job is that we help families empower themselves,” she adds.

“Together we help students shape a brighter future – and it’s all thanks to sponsors like you.”

What I love about my job is that we help families empower themselves.

Caroline, Learning for Life Coordinator

Read more student and family stories in our Spring 2025 edition of Your Support, Real Impact.

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