Monique’s formula for success

Then Monique was connected with the support of a sponsor. Sponsorship provided the support and resources Monique needed to overcome the barriers of disadvantage. “At this time, I didn’t have access to the internet or any mobile devices, which made school projects and learning in general difficult,” says Monique.

“Sponsorship helped provide me with essential school needs – including uniform items, schoolbooks, and internet at home to keep up with the introduction of tech in the classroom.”

Your sponsorship also gives students like Monique access to out-of-school programs, such as Learning Club. The program helped Monique build the skills she needed to participate fully in school, and move closer to her post-school dreams. Monique looked forward to attending Learning Club, where she received homework support from volunteer tutors. 

“I used my Smith Family sponsorship to buy a lab coat and glasses for anatomy classes,” she says. “Uni work eventually overwhelmed my old laptop, so I recently had the privilege of buying a brand new one – a major financial burden I would have dreaded without the support I’ve received from my sponsor.”

Thanks to sponsors like you, Learning for Life students also have support from a Coordinator throughout their learning journey. Monique’s Coordinator connected her to the educational programs that helped her to thrive. But along with her sponsor, they also provided emotional support. This unlocked her view of her own potential.  

“When I was about to start my first year at uni my Coordinator took me through some really helpful tips about uni life and she told me about programs I had access to. Once or twice a semester I get emails from her, and she asks if everything is going OK – ‘do you need to catch up on anything? We can have a call if you need’.