Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs Mary’s 3 children face unique challenges – but your support helps each one flourish in their own way!
18 June 2024
All mums and dads want one thing above all else: for their children to get every chance at a bright future. For them to have a life that’s better and richer with more opportunities than their own.
It isn’t an easy role. And when faced with big challenges that swallow up a lot of time, energy and money, it’s even tougher. Mary loves her children, Abbey, 10, Kodie, 12, and Chris, 13. She wants them to have every chance to be the best they can be at school. But with the rising cost-of living, it’s a daunting task when she also has to cope with medical expenses for every member of the family on a limited income.
It isn’t an easy role. And when faced with big challenges that swallow up a lot of time, energy and money, it’s even tougher. Mary loves her children, Abbey, 10, Kodie, 12, and Chris, 13. She wants them to have every chance to be the best they can be at school. But with the rising cost-of living, it’s a daunting task when she also has to cope with medical expenses for every member of the family on a limited income.
Abbey, Kodie and Chris all really enjoy school. But financial hardship has stopped them from getting access to the school resources they need. They are at risk of falling further behind. It’s a very tough situation for Mary. She knows with the right resources and support, Abbey, Kodie and Chris have limitless potential. But Mary can’t help them harness their talents on her own.
That’s why financial support from supporters like you means so much to this family. Abbey, Kodie and Chris can access Smith Family learning and mentoring programs, and this ensures each sibling has the extra support that can clear the path to success.
"Many families at our school receive the amazing support of Smith Family supporters," Mary says. "These people will have our gratitude forever for everything they do."
That’s why financial support from supporters like you means so much to this family. Abbey, Kodie and Chris can access Smith Family learning and mentoring programs, and this ensures each sibling has the extra support that can clear the path to success.
"Many families at our school receive the amazing support of Smith Family supporters," Mary says. "These people will have our gratitude forever for everything they do."
We’re on the lower income end so we haven’t had the opportunity to put internet on. I want to keep the kids up with the times – and not in the dinosaur days
At school, there’s so much that interests Abbey. “We get to do a lot of different things”, she says, but admits that some lessons are tricky. Although Abbey’s teachers do all they can for her, it simply isn’t enough to help her overcome the unfair challenges that come with living in disadvantage.
One thing Abbey’s been struggling with is reading, but thanks to you, she started student2student last year. The student2student program pairs students with reading buddies near their age so they can read the same books with each other to build confidence and skills. Abbey loves books, and it’s exciting to think she’ll get to read new ones that interest her with a buddy! “She desperately needs it,” Mary says. “She felt so excited to meet her reading buddy recently.”
For brothers Kodie in Year 7, and Chris in Year 8, the need for a reliable laptop and internet access is paramount. They haven’t had access to the tools all students need to tap into their talents and develop core digital skills for the jobs of the future.
Both boys now have laptops and free internet through our Digital Learning Essentials program. They are no longer reliant on Mary’s hotspot working to complete and submit their homework. It’s such a relief knowing the poverty won’t derail the wonderful progress each of these children are making towards their goals.
“The support they receive is absolutely like Christmas, it’s beyond words,” says Mary “You are giving them every opportunity and offering us so much support. What these people in the community have done for my three children is beautiful.”
Children like Abbey, Kobie and Chris are getting their chance to be all that they can be. And for that, we truly thank you!
