Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs Community programs
Improving educational outcomes.
One in five children are developmentally vulnerable in one or more key areas when they start school.1
We partner with government, schools, families and other service providers to improve educational outcomes for children and create and support long-term change in communities entrenched in disadvantage.
Our work is helping to improve the wellbeing of disadvantaged children and to change the future for young Australians and their families living in these communities.
We work closely with government and other providers who share a commitment to our vision and mission. We focus on strengthening communities so they can support their most disadvantaged families with relevant programs and services that give young people the skills and knowledge to create a better future for themselves
Our reach
Our Learning for Life Coordinators are located in 91 communities throughout Australia, where they can link disadvantaged students and their families, with local services, programs and opportunities to support their full participation in education. For a list of our locations, go to contact us.
The Smith Family is the Australian Government Department of Social Services Communities for Children facilitating Partner (CfCFP) partner in nine sites throughout Australia; in New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia.
Our learning programs
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.
Arts programs
Providing students living with disadvantage access to arts programs to help support students'; engagement with school by increasing their creative skills, self-confidence, social networks and knowledge of post-school options.
Community programs
We partner with government, schools, families, and other service providers to improve educational outcomes for children.
Financial programs
We offer financial programs for parents facing disadvantage and an interactive high school program, building youth financial literacy, decision-making skills, and future awareness.
School transition programs
Providing help for students transition from primary to high school by enhancing their skills, knowledge, and attitude for the new learning environment.
Learning Clubs
After-school Learning Clubs give children help with literacy homework in a safe, supportive environment, encouraging children to better engage with their learning.
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.
Literacy programs
Providing resources and support to help children living with disadvantage achieve the required reading standard.
Mentoring programs
Mentoring programs for students living with disadvantage that provide the encouragement they need to build aspirations for their future.
Technology programs
Providing children and young people living with disadvantage with the critical skills, access, and equipment they need.
Work experience programs
We provide work experience programs for students living with disadvantage, to help them explore their future career options and potential job opportunities.
1 Australian Government, 2013, A Snapshot of Early Childhood Development in Australia 2012, AEDI National Report.