We must provide learning support for 18,922 children by 30 June.

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.
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  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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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.
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  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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Your sponsorship is helping Terri pay it forward

01 November 2022

Terri is one of our Learning for Life coordinators at The Smith Family. She lives in regional Victoria.

Every day, she sees how poverty is blocking access to education for many families in her local community. She’s also been there herself.

Growing up, Terri participated in The Smith Family Learning for Life program in her hometown. She was paired with a generous sponsor just like you in high school. The sponsorship helped relieved Terri’s parents of some of their financial stress.

“For families experiencing financial disadvantage like mine, Learning for Life sponsorship helps cover the cost of uniforms, camps, excursions, and digital equipment. And it can make all the difference to what they can achieve at school,” says Terri.

Supported by sponsorship, Terri successfully completed Year 12 and undertook a university degree.

“Now, as a Learning for Life coordinator, I can pay it forward and support other families in my community,” says Terri. “It’s amazing to see how empowering students to break down the barriers to education gives them a chance to succeed now and in their future.”

Education is one of the most powerful change agents for breaking the cycle of poverty. And your sponsorship encourages students to harness education and achieve all they are capable of.

A highlight of Terri’s year is seeing the excitement of these students who have reached the milestone of Year 12 graduation, thanks to the support of their sponsors.

Sponsors support for The Smith Family is vital in encouraging students to complete their education. Students love receiving communication from their sponsors. It lets the children know that there is someone else out there encouraging them to succeed and achieve their goals.

Terri, Learning for Life Coordinator

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