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Mum and daughter team building a brighter future together

14 March 2024

Mikayla and her Mum, Myha have always been there for one another – a strong team who value each other immensely. Myha has always wanted the best in education for Mikayla, and Mikayla acknowledges how hard her Mum has worked.

When serious health problems affected Myha’s lung and heart, and in turn, her income, Mikayla’s Learning for Life Coordinator and sponsor were a vital support.

“Before The Smith Family, it was difficult to afford the basic things for Mikayla with school,” Myha says. It became clear to Myha how poverty was blocking Mikayla from having the same opportunity as her peers to reach her full potential. Mikayla is a bright student. Sponsorship has helped to remove these barriers so she can get the most out of school.

The financial support sponsorship provides has enabled Mikayla to purchase new shoes and uniform. Thanks to Mikayla’s sponsor she also received prepaid data donated by Optus customers and a refurbished laptop through our Digital Learning Essentials program. This program provides students with access to the digital tools and skills they need to complete their schoolwork and participate fully in the classroom.

“With the help of the Smith Family and Mikayla’s sponsor, she's able to have new shoes, uniform, and books like any other kid,” says Myha. “Having the support of The Smith Family puts my mind at ease. I have less stress knowing that Mikayla's going to also have a laptop and prepaid data – the essentials for going to school.”

Having access to everything she needs for school has unlocked new freedom for Mikayla to enjoy being with her classmates and to dream big. As a young teen now in Year 8, Mikayla wants to use her passion for learning, and her empathy and understanding of others, to develop a career as a psychologist.

“I think what's really helped boost my confidence this year is all of the support I've received, and how it shows people care.

"It makes me feel really lucky that I'm able to have the same things as my friends at school, and I don't feel excluded. It makes me feel like someone cares about me, even if they don't know me personally,” Mikayla says.

Sponsorship has given Myha peace of mind in knowing Mikayla’s got what she needs to grow and learn.

“To anyone that's thinking of supporting The Smith Family I'd say go for it, because you are giving a bunch of other children heaps of opportunities – and they could really use the support,” says Mikayla. “I'd like to say thank you for helping me gain a massive opportunity for my future.’

Read more student and family stories in our Autumn 2024 edition of Real People, Real Stories.

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