Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs At The Smith Family, we believe that education is one of the world’s most powerful change agents.
That’s why we focus on helping young Australians to overcome educational inequality caused by poverty. As a national, independent charity, every day we work with thousands of children and their families to help them unlock better futures for themselves.
Ways to give
Digital Learning Essentials
Currently 30% of Learning for Life students from Year 1 to Year 12 do not have a laptop or reliable internet access. Your gift today can give a children vital access to a computer, internet and digital skills.
Child Sponsorship
Your sponsorship combined with that of another sponsor, will provide a child with the learning essentials they need such as books, a uniform and stationary, so they don't fall even further behind.
Future Pathways
Future Pathways ensures that more students in Years 9-12 can access the practical, emotional, and educational support they need to thrive during these crucial years and beyond.
The problem
1.2 million
Australian children and young people living in poverty today.1
30%
lower Year 12 completion rate for disadvantaged students.2
2 years
or more behind in reading and maths by the time they are in Year 9.3
Making a difference
162,534
disadvantaged children and young people received support through Smith Family programs last year.
62,822
Australian students supported through our Learning for Life sponsorships last year.
95%
of children in our student2student reading program improved their reading age last year.
Smith Family stories
Sponsoring a child delivers the best educational outcomes
85.7%
School attendance rate for primary school age Learning for Life students.
66%
of Learning for Life students advance from year 10 to completing year 12.
85%
of Learning for Life students engaged in employment, education or training, two and a half years after leaving school.
Latest news
Digital inequality is the new frontier of educational disadvantage this anti-poverty week
13 October 2024
Find out more
2024 NAPLAN results show there is no time to wait for urgent education reforms.
14 August 2024
Find out more
Locked out of learning: poverty limits access to essential digital skills and tools for youth
05 August 2024
Find out more
Conversations with The Smith Family
Hear more from Doug Taylor, CEO as he talks to those involved in the different areas of our work. In this special series of interviews, Doug brings to life the experiences of our students, their families, our volunteers and our supporters. Learn more.
We are committed to child safety
The Smith Family is committed to safeguarding children and young people from abuse and neglect as we work with their families and communities.
We will provide safe environments; always act in the best interests of children; and take action to protect children and other vulnerable persons from abuse and neglect.
More stories
Get involved
*Owen's name, family details and associated images have been changed to protect his family’s identity.
1 Poverty in Australia, 2020, ACOSS/UNSW Report.
2 The Grattan Institute. Sonnemann, J., Hunter, J. (2023) Tackling under-achievement.
3 Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, 2008, Review of Australian Higher Education Final Report.