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Our Programs
- Literacy programs
  Providing resources and support to help children living with disadvantage achieve the required reading standard.
- Technology programs
  Providing children and young people living with disadvantage with the critical skills, access, and equipment they need.
- Numeracy programs
  We support early years educators and community professionals in building foundational math skills in children under their care.
- 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.
- Mentoring programs
  Mentoring programs for students living with disadvantage that provide the encouragement they need to build aspirations for their future.
- 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.
Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
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Get Involved
- Ways to fundraise
  Learn about fundraising and give back to the community with The Smith Family.
- Volunteer with us
  Share your skills to help Australian children in need transform their lives through education.
- Corporate partnerships
  Corporate partnerships give young Australians in need the chance to change their futures through educational support. Discover how you can join forces with The Smith Family to create a mutually-beneficial, impactful partnership.
- Careers
  We aim to provide a working environment where staff and volunteers have the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
- Events
  Participate in events and activities that support young Australians experiencing disadvantage.
- VIEW Clubs of Australia
  Learn about VIEW, a leading women’s volunteer organisation and support network with over 13,000 members, across Australia.
Ways to Give
- Sponsor a child
  Through child sponsorship, you will be matched to an Australian child in need, helping to support the cost of their school essentials.
- A gift in your will
  Ensure that future generations of Australian children have the support they need to make the most of their education.
- Monthly donation
  Become a monthly donor and provide continual support throughout all stages of a child’s education.
- Philanthropic giving
  Through your philanthropy, you can ensure that young Australians impacted by poverty get the education that all children deserve.
- Single donation
  Your donation will help young Australians in need by providing access to our Learning for Life education support programs.
- Workplace giving
  Making small, regular donations to The Smith Family through Workplace Giving is an easy way to help change the lives of young Australians living in poverty.
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Child Sponsorship
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School Transition Programs

We understand that the move from primary school to high school is a significant step in every student's journey. Our comprehensive Passport program is designed to empower students with the skills, knowledge, and attitude needed to manage this transition successfully.

A girl seating on desk in class and writing in notebook

Navigating the challenge

The transition from primary to secondary school can be a complex process, particularly for children from low socio-economic backgrounds. This crucial crossroads brings about major changes as students move from familiar, smaller classrooms to larger schools with higher expectations for independent learning. With less teacher support and changes in peer dynamics, concerns about social acceptance can lead to issues like lowered self-esteem, declining academic performance, and increased anxiety and depression.

Recognising the impact of these changes, we believe that the transition to secondary school represents a pivotal moment in both the social and academic lives of adolescents. Extensive research shows that well-structured and implemented transition programs can significantly assist students, their families, and even school staff in navigating this transition. Equipping students with adequate preparation increases their likelihood of a successful transition to the next phase of their education.

The Passport program approach

Our Passport program focusses on imparting crucial skills to help students manage the increased workload of high school. These skills include effective time management, strategic planning, setting achievable goals, maintaining motivation for learning, and gaining insight into what to expect in high school.

One unique aspect of the program is that students get to voice their concerns and interact with secondary school students who share their firsthand experiences. This real-world insight offers valuable perspectives and helps ease any anxieties about the upcoming transition.

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School Transition Programs

Navigating the challenge

The Passport program approach

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Learning Clubs

iTrack mentoring program