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Poverty’s impact on learning is often hidden.

The last few years have been tough for Max.  

His parents’ separation and the family business closing forced Max, his mum and brother into poverty. They’ve had to move three times – and each time, Max had to start again at a new school.  

This has impacted Max’s confidence and motivation, making it difficult for him to keep up with his learning. Max once dreamed of becoming a teacher but poverty is making it harder for Max to believe that his dream is possible. And when a child falls too far behind at school and can’t catch up, poverty can steal their future, too.
a school boy at his desk in the classroom looking directly at the camera surrounded by other students
Max is doing his best to keep up in school.
I’d really like to be a teacher someday, but I don’t think I’ll ever be good enough at school.
Max, age 8 
a school boy sitting in the school yard with his friends
Poverty can cause a child to lose confidence at school.

You can’t always see poverty, but every day it holds children back at school.

Right now, 1.2 million Australian children are living with poverty1 – and although you can’t see it, its impacts can follow children like Max into the classroom.  

Poverty can cause a child to fall behind at school – from missing learning opportunities to lost confidence in the classroom. Without urgent extra learning support, it can eventually steal their future, with students experiencing poverty less likely than their peers to finish Year 12.2 This then limits their future career and employment choices.
drawing of a gift box wrapped with red and white striped wrapping paper and tied with a red ribbon forming a bow at the top. The box and bow are outlined in blue
Please give a tax-deductible gift before 30 June to provide children like Max with access to proven out-of-school learning support from the start of Term 3.
Donate now
a school boy looking at the camera directly while his mum is kneeling down in front of him with her back turned
Uncertainty at home can follow a child into every school day.

Poverty can take a heavy toll on a child, no matter how hard they try.

When the pandemic hit, Max’s parents suddenly lost all their income from their party hire business. The ongoing financial strain affected their relationship, and they eventually separated. 

Rising rent has meant Max’s family has had to move further and further out of town just to keep a roof over their heads. 

In the past few years alone, Max has moved house, and schools, three times. Each move has disrupted his learning and friendships. Naturally shy and caring, Max has found it hard to settle in new environments, and he’s started to fall behind at school. 

Now, halfway through Year 3 - a critical stage when children shift from learning to read to reading to learn - Max urgently needs support to catch up, before he falls even further behind. 

These invisible impacts of poverty take a heavy toll on the learning opportunities of children like Max every day.
I know how tough things have been for Max lately. I can see how much it’s affecting his confidence, and it’s starting to impact his performance at school, too. I know he needs help, but I’m not sure how to give him the support he needs.
Max’s mum
Donate now
drawing of a gift box wrapped with red and white striped wrapping paper and tied with a red ribbon forming a bow at the top. The box and bow are outlined in blue
Don’t let poverty steal Max’s chance to build the future he deserves. Please give a tax-deductible gift before 30 June.
Donate now

Proven learning support can help a child reach their full potential. 

There is a clear, proven way to stop poverty’s hidden impacts from taking a child’s confidence and stealing their chance at a better future.   

With early intervention and consistent support tailored to their evolving needs, children can – and do – overcome the obstacles poverty puts in their way.  

Education is one of the most powerful agents of change.

Your support today can help a child like Max access our innovative out-of-school learning programs, proven to help children catch up and keep up with their learning – and build the future he deserves.
a smith family learning club coordinator with students in a classroom
With the right support, small moments can build confidence for life.
drawing of a gift box wrapped with red and white striped wrapping paper and tied with a red ribbon forming a bow at the top. The box and bow are outlined in blue
You can stop poverty’s hidden impacts from blocking a child’s chance to make the most of their education.
Donate now

How your tax-deductible donation will help a student

school kids in the classroom with their hand up
With support, children like Max can stay engaged and build a brighter future.
Our out-of-school learning programs are proven to help children remain engaged with their learning and complete their education to Year 12. This in turn provides them with greater options for further study and employment.6  

With your support, Max can build a better tomorrow. Your donation will help him access the life-changing extra learning support he needs to catch up, keep up, and achieve all he is capable of.
Donate now

Frequently Asked Questions

1 Davidson et al. (2025). Poverty in Australia 2025: Overview. ACOSS and UNSW Sydney.
2 Lamb et al. (2020). Educational opportunity in Australia 2020: Who succeeds and who misses out. Mitchell Institute.
3 The Smith Family (2024). student2student Outcome Report.
4 The Smith Family (2024). Learning Clubs Outcome Report.
5 The Smith Family (2024). Future Seekers Outcome Report.
6 The Smith Family Annual Report 2024-25.

* Names, family details and associated images have been changed to protect the family’s identity.