Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs Sponsorship helps Kendall’s confidence shine
12-year-old Kendall stands up in front of her whole school, breathes deep, and begins the Acknowledgement of Country. As the First Nations vice-captain, she takes the stage with pride, reading with confidence and speaking with clarity.
It’s an emotional moment that shows how far Kendall has come – through her hard work, teachers’ support, and the generosity of her sponsor. Before partnering with The Smith Family, challenges with reading impacted Kendall’s motivation and confidence.
“Both girls used to really struggle,” mum Mahalia says of Kendall and her sister, Koko. “They feel much more confident now, with the right uniforms and school equipment. And when our amazing Learning for Life Coordinator heard they were behind with reading, she got them onto the student2student reading buddy program. They are more motivated and both love school now – they’ve really excelled.”
It’s an emotional moment that shows how far Kendall has come – through her hard work, teachers’ support, and the generosity of her sponsor. Before partnering with The Smith Family, challenges with reading impacted Kendall’s motivation and confidence.
“Both girls used to really struggle,” mum Mahalia says of Kendall and her sister, Koko. “They feel much more confident now, with the right uniforms and school equipment. And when our amazing Learning for Life Coordinator heard they were behind with reading, she got them onto the student2student reading buddy program. They are more motivated and both love school now – they’ve really excelled.”
Reading powers learning
Every child in Australia should have the chance to build strong foundations in reading – the crucial skill that unlocks all other learning and helps build confidence and motivation. But around 1 in 3 students in Year 3 from low income families are behind in their reading.1
Without extra learning support, the impacts of poverty on learning can stack up quickly, making it harder for a child to keep pace – and even harder to catch up if they fall behind.
Without extra learning support, the impacts of poverty on learning can stack up quickly, making it harder for a child to keep pace – and even harder to catch up if they fall behind.
Right support at the right time
That’s why sponsorship can be so life-changing for children like Kendall. Financial support for school essentials; ongoing support from a Learning for Life Coordinator; and access to programs like student2student proven to boost skills and confidence. This early intervention is vital for children who risk falling behind due to disadvantage.
Thank you so much for your support – you’re helping kids reach their dreams.
Kendall’s story shows how support given at the right time can help a child overcome poverty’s impact to build core learning skills and see their confidence soar.
“I love reading with my buddy,” says Kendall. “I can read on my own now and pronounce words better. I used to not be very confident, but now I am.” “Without sponsorship, their reading, writing and confidence wouldn’t be where they are today. It’s wonderful,” says Mahalia
“I love reading with my buddy,” says Kendall. “I can read on my own now and pronounce words better. I used to not be very confident, but now I am.”
“Both girls get excited every time they need to read with their buddies,” adds Mahalia. “Without sponsorship, their reading, writing and confidence wouldn't be where they are today. It’s wonderful.”
“I love reading with my buddy,” says Kendall. “I can read on my own now and pronounce words better. I used to not be very confident, but now I am.”
“Both girls get excited every time they need to read with their buddies,” adds Mahalia. “Without sponsorship, their reading, writing and confidence wouldn't be where they are today. It’s wonderful.”
Read more student and family stories in our Autumn 2026 edition of Your Support, Real Impact.
Read more Read more stories about our sponsored students
1NAPLAN National Results 2025, Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority.