What, Why, How
What
Our funding is supporting The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program and Digital Inclusion. The Smith Family believes that education is one of the most powerful change agents. They work with children and young people to overcome educational inequality caused by poverty – so they can thrive now and into their futures. Digital inclusion is also vital for the educational success of every Australian child. Currently, one in six students on the Learning for Life program lives in a household that is not currently digitally included, so bridging the digital divide for Australians with lower levels of income, employment and education who are significantly less digitally included is essential for realising socio-economic equality.
Why
The Smith Family is a national children’s education charity with a vision of a world where every child has the opportunity to change their future, no matter what their circumstances. The Learning for Life program is delivered to students and families on an ongoing and sustainable basis. The Digital Inclusion element of the program provides an extra pillar of support for students on the Learning for Life program, ensuring they have the digital tools and skills necessary for educational success. Given the myriad of challenges families are facing, with the effects of COVID-19 still ongoing and cost-of-living pressures and housing insecurity increasing, this wrap-around support provided by The Smith Family is more important than ever.
How
Learning for Life is The Smith Family’s core program. It provides almost 60,000 young Australians in need with long-term educational support in three ways. Each child on the program receives:
1. Financial support for school essentials, like uniforms and books.
2. Personal support for the child and their family, to help children stay motivated at school, complete their education and go on to further training or work.
3. Practical support through their extra learning and mentoring programs – tailored to each child’s needs.
This proven combination of financial, personal and practical support empowers young people to harness education and build skills to unlock their true potential.
Also, The Smith Family’s Digital Learning Essentials program helps bridge the digital divide by providing students on the Learning for Life program with a laptop, internet access, digital skills and technical support.
Program Impact
Over a three-year period, our funding of the Learning for Life program will support 100 students on their learning journey. In addition, we will also provide 17 students experiencing digital exclusion with digital tools and skills they need to keep up with their education and access the same learning opportunities as their peers.
The Smith Family supports children at every step of their educational journey, from early childhood through to the completion of their studies. This support is vital to ensuring students complete their education and go on to further study and employment - helping to ensure their continued financial wellbeing and the economic growth of their communities.
Kristian, Learning for Life parent
"I truly thank you for doing what I couldn't do for my son. You have opened so many doors for him."
Improving Life Outcomes
Take a look at our other charity partners and see how we're improving life outcomes for families and communities near you.