Poverty in Australia
Our Programs
- Literacy programs Providing resources and support to help disadvantaged children achieve the required reading standard.
- Numeracy programs We support parents and early years educators in developing the maths skills of the children in their care so that they can establish the necessary foundation skills.
- Mentoring programs Mentoring programs for disadvantaged students that give the encouragement they need to build aspirations for their future.
- Technology programs Providing disadvantaged children and young people with the critical skills, access and equipment they need.
- Learning for Life Providing holistic, long-term support for disadvantaged young Australians throughout their education.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students face additional challenges in their journey through and beyond school.
- > View all programs
Get Involved
- Sponsor a child Through sponsorship, you will be matched to an Australian child in need, helping to support the cost of their school essentials.
- Volunteer with us Share your skills to help Australian children in need transform their lives through education.
- Careers We aim to provide a working environment where staff and volunteers have the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
- Ways to Fundraise Learn about fundraising and give back to the community with The Smith Family.
- Partnerships Learn how your organisation can partner with The Smith Family and help build a better future for Australian children in need.
- VIEW Clubs of Australia Learn about VIEW, a leading women’s volunteer organisation and support network with over 16,000 members, across Australia.
Ways to Give
- Sponsor a child Through sponsorship, you will be matched to an Australian child in need, helping to support the cost of their school essentials.
- Monthly Donor Become a monthly donor and provide continual support throughout all stages of a child’s education.
- Single Donation Your donation will help young Australians in need by providing access to our Learning for Life education support programs.
- A gift in your will Ensure that future generations of Australian children have the support they need to make the most of their education.
- Philanthropic Giving Through your philanthropy, you can ensure that young Australians growing up in poverty get the education they deserve.
- Give toys or books The Toy & Book Appeal is your opportunity to help bring a smile to a child's face this Christmas.
Shop for Gifts
- Joyspreader Charity Gifts Purchase a virtual Charity Gift and support learning and mentoring programs.
- Charity Christmas cards Order your Christmas cards, corporate Christmas cards or e-cards and support The Smith Family.

Breaking Poverty Podcast

Firsthand stories of how education is playing a role in breaking poverty.

As we get our nation back on its feet, we need all young people to have the skills in their education to fully participate in our society as we rebuild.

Dr Lisa O’Brien, CEO of The Smith Family

Breaking Poverty a new Smith Family podcast

The Coronavirus pandemic has brought one of the biggest disruptions to education we’ve ever seen.

Now is the time to support all children to get the best education possible to meet the challenges of the future.

We’re proud to present the stories of the families and young people we partner with, as they join us in this two-part podcast looking at the challenges of poverty and how education offers a lasting solution to the problem.

They are determined to succeed in their education and go on to create better futures for themselves.

Listen to Breaking Poverty here

Breaking Poverty - Trailer

Adam Shand investigates the role of education in breaking poverty in these unprecedented times and safeguarding the future of the next generation. More than 1.2 million Australian children are living in poverty and thousands more are at risk as the nation slips into recession amid the COVID global pandemic.

Episode 1. Left Behind

Australia's youth is increasingly disadvantaged, despite a promise to end child poverty by 1990. The reality if increased poverty in Australia has placed learning for thousands of children more at risk.

Episode 2. Breaking Poverty

With some assistance, young Australians of all backgrounds are overcoming disadvantage to achieve their educational goals which can gives them, their families and the nation a positive future.

FIND OUT MORE

About child sponsorship

Get more information on how child sponsorship with The Smith Family works.

Student stories

Hear from the children who are sponsored through The Smith Family.

Our learning programs

Read about how The Smith Family works with communities around Australia.