The other kids call Jake* names because he can’t read as well as they can.

jake-portrait

SPONSOR A CHILD NOW

The other kids call Jake* names because he can’t read as well as they can.

Jake’s mum knows that her son’s tummy flips at the thought of going back to school this year.  He worries about being different because he’s poor, and about being laughed at because he’s so far behind in reading. He associates school with feeling isolated, out of place, and he’s unable to imagine that things will be any different this year.

Without the extra support he needs, Jake’s life might never change.

Jake is growing up in poverty, because of a family tragedy.

Jake was only two years old when his dad, Steve, was diagnosed with two forms of cancer. Life for Jake’s family changed almost overnight. Steve’s cancer was so aggressive, it forced him to stop working and robbed him of his hearing. 

To say they were doing it tough is an understatement. Every cent counted. Rent, groceries and medical bills took priority over everything else – including the books and pre-school learning materials Annie would desperately have loved to give her children.

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It didn’t matter how hard Jake tried, he just fell further and further behind.

When Jake started school two years ago, he was already behind his classmates. And as the years passed, no matter how hard Jake tried, he just kept falling behind.

As the household and medical expenses built up Jake’s mum could no longer afford essentials like a school bag, proper shoes and a new uniform. Jake was teased for the way he looked and the things he didn’t have. He felt so embarrassed and ashamed and he couldn’t concentrate in class. 

For most of last year, Jake spent lunchtime alone in a corner of the schoolyard, feeling stupid, lonely and out of place.

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For only $48 per month you can provide a child like Jake with essential school supplies, a new uniform and life-changing learning support, so they can fit in and catch up to their peers.

Sponsor now

Please will you provide life-changing support for a child like Jake?

Recently Jake’s family received the life-changing news that he would soon be getting a sponsor.

“I can’t explain how happy I am to know that soon Jake will have a sponsor,” says Jake’s mum, Annie. “When it happens he can get a new uniform and all the things he needs for school. He’ll be able to fit in and make friends — and get help with homework too. It‘s such a real relief to know that help is on the way.”

Unfortunately, thousands of children just like Jake are desperately waiting for a sponsor. We need your help to provide a disadvantaged child like Jake with essential school supplies, access to life-changing learning support and guidance from one of our Learning for Life Coordinators so that they can fit in, catch up and keep up with their peers.

YES, I WOULD LIKE TO SPONSOR AN AUSTRALIAN CHILD

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Jake with his Learning for Life Coordinator

how your sponsorship will help a student

  • Financial support

    Financial support to pay for school essentials like a school uniform, shoes, textbooks and excursions.

  • Guidance and support

    Guidance and support from a Learning for Life Coordinator who works with the family and understands the specific needs of a child.

  • Access to out-of-school educational opportunities

    Access to out-of-school educational opportunities. These can include The Smith family’s learning and mentoring programs.

    Through sponsorship you can make a real and lasting difference to a child’s life

    As a sponsor you’ll provide financial support for vital school essentials that will help a child like Jake fit in with their peers and build their confidence at school. Each sponsored child also receives guidance and support from one of our Learning for Life Coordinators who works with the child and family to understand their specific needs. Plus, sponsorship ensures they have access to extra educational support programs and mentoring that allows them to make the most of their education.

    jake-friends

    Right now thousands of disadvantaged Australian children urgently require a sponsor. For only $48 per month you can provide a child with essential school supplies, access to life-changing learning support and guidance from one of our Learning for Life Coordinators.

    Sponsor now

    FIND OUT MORE

      *Jake’s name, location and associated images have been changed to protect his identity.
      1 ACOSS & SPRC (2016) Poverty in Australia, 2016, Australian Council of Social Services, Sydney.