1,600 disadvantaged children face new school year without crucial support

More than 1,600 disadvantaged children across Australia are at risk of starting the new school year next week without crucial financial help and access to outside-of-school hours learning support, unless new sponsors are found to assist each child, according to education charity, The Smith Family.

The Smith Family estimates that the return to school can cost parents in excess of $2,000 per child, meaning low income families can struggle to afford schooling necessities, even before discretionary costs such as excursions, camps and extracurricular activities are considered.

"From the feedback we've been receiving, the cost of simply attending the local public school is getting beyond many disadvantaged families," said The Smith Family's CEO Dr Lisa O'Brien.

"Through no fault of their own, kids will be starting school with ill-fitting or incomplete uniforms; a lack of essential books and stationery; they'll miss out on excursions, sporting and artistic pursuits, simply due to a lack of finances – and we know this inability to participate fully can adversely affect their learning."

This year more than 34,000 students will be sponsored by individuals and businesses to get back to school and stay at school through The Smith Family's Learning for Life program. This program offers three components of support – a financial component for parents to purchase school uniforms, books and resources; access to a Learning for Life Program Co-ordinator for guidance and support; and access to learning support programs, such as mentoring and tutoring.

"We have thousands of generous supporters who sponsor a child and receive an incredible amount of personal reward and satisfaction as a result," said Dr O'Brien.

"However, it is not uncommon for sponsorships to end when circumstances change and a decrease in sponsors over the past 12 months has left 1,600 children vulnerable.

"On the cusp of the new school year – when many disadvantaged families turn their thoughts towards purchasing their child's new uniform, shoes and stationery – we're asking people to consider sponsoring an Australian child who is at risk of going without."

To sponsor an Australian child in need call 1800 024 069 or visit our sponsorship page.