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
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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. -
Single donation
Children cannot choose their circumstances. For one in six Australian children and young people growing up in poverty,1 it can limit their choices, opportunities and outcomes in life.
The problem
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1 in 6
Australian children and young people living in poverty today.1 -
30%
lower Year 12 completion rate for disadvantaged students.2 -
1 in 3
Australian students can't read proficiently.3
Making a difference
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186,499
disadvantaged children and young people received support through Smith Family programs last year. -
71,818
Australian students supported through our Learning for Life sponsorships last year. -
90%
of children in our student2student reading program improved their reading age last year.
Sponsoring a child delivers the best educational outcomes
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81.7%
School attendance rate for primary school age Learning for Life students. -
64.9%
of Learning for Life students advance from year 10 to completing year 12. -
84%
of Learning for Life students engaged in employment, education or training, two and a half years after leaving school.
Smith Family stories
Latest news
A powerful new podcast featuring stories of grit, courage and life-changing support, narrated by Sarah Macdonald.
02 February 2026
Find out more As Australian students prepare to return to school, the latest Pulse Survey of families supported by national children’s education charity The Smith Family, shows more than 4 out of 5 are worried about being able to afford everything their children need.
08 January 2026
Find out more Suzie brings extensive expertise in using data and evidence to drive social change, and a strong commitment to improving educational outcomes for children and young people.
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
1 Davidson, P; Bradbury, B; and Wong, M (2023) Poverty in Australia. Who is affected Poverty and Inequality Partnership Report no. 20. Australian Council of Social Service and UNSW Sydney
2Sonnemann, J., Hunter, J. (2023) Tackling under-achievement. The Grattan Institute
3 Hunter, J., Stobart, A., and Haywood, A. (2023)The Reading Guarantee: How to give every child the best chance of success. Grattan Institute.
* Names, family details and associated images have been changed to protect the family’s identity.