The Smith Family launches in Gladstone to help local children and their families

Today The Smith Family has officially launched its Learning for Life education support program in Gladstone, Queensland.

The Learning for Life program offers a range of targeted support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds and is proven to improve their educational outcomes, helping students go on from high school into further studies, training or employment.

The Smith Family’s strategic partner Orica has committed $500,000 over a three-year period to help bring Learning for Life to the Gladstone community. Their ongoing support will enable the charity to provide up to 100 Learning for Life scholarships in 2018 for disadvantaged children and young people. A further 200 Gladstone students will be brought on to the program by 2020.

In 2016, The Smith Family undertook a feasibility study to assess the viability of establishing a presence in Gladstone. The study found there was a clear need for the type of support the organisation provides, as well as strong support from stakeholders on the ground.

The Smith Family CEO, Dr Lisa O’Brien said, “We are delighted to bring Learning for Life to the children and families of Gladstone who could benefit from our tailored support. We also acknowledge and thank our long-standing partner Orica. Because of them, we can expand our program to Gladstone and help improve the educational outcomes of more disadvantaged children and young people.

The Smith Family will work in partnership with local families, schools and other community service organisations to ensure that students receive the extra support they need to overcome the barriers that challenge their successful participation at school,” Dr O’Brien said.

Learning for Life is delivered in 94 communities across Australia, providing more than 38,000 disadvantaged children with targeted educational assistance throughout their school years. Research conducted by The Smith Family is showing the program is making a significant and positive impact on their educational outcomes.

Currently Orica is also supporting the Learning for Life program in the Pilbara and funding the digitisation of Let’s Count training to support early maths learning for children aged three to five.

Viney Kumar, Orica, Yarwun Site Manager said, “Orica is delighted to be the founding partner for The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program in Gladstone. We have been partnering with The Smith Family since 2014 on projects from the Pilbara to the Philippines and have come to truly appreciate the variety of ways in which the organisation helps young people get the most out of their education.”

Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett welcomed the arrival of The Smith Family to the region.

“Council looks forward to seeing the benefits that the Learning for Life program will bring to students within the region in need of a helping hand. The education provided by Gladstone Region schools is of a very high standard but there will always be students who struggle, many for reasons beyond their control, and it is great to know that the Learning for Life program will be there to help these students get the most out of their education,” Mayor Burnett said.