John and David improve at school

“I want life to be better for them,” says Dah Moo, mum of John, 10 and David, 8.

Dah Moo came to Australia four years ago after living in a refugee camp. She wanted to give her sons the best chance at a better future. Yet there was barely enough to pay the rent and bills. With sponsorship, John and David are now getting that chance.

“We had so many things we were facing; it was a very hard life. I don't have enough education in this country. It's very hard to look for a permanent job,” says Dah Moo.

“After we get The Smith Family support and sponsorship, the two boys got everything they need, like the school uniform and excursions. It's helped them change. I see them a lot happier and improving things.”

Dah Moo makes sure her boys know that an education can open up a future full of possibilities. John already dreams of becoming a soccer player or a builder.

“Every day I encourage them – try to learn, try to study, try to do your homework and do well at school. This is very important because I grew up with a very hard life; I want life to be better for them," says Dah Moo Moo.

To give back, Dah Moo volunteers at her boys’ school as a teacher’s aide, helping students who can’t speak English.

In addition to sponsorship, both boys also attend one of our Learning Clubs. Funded by donations, our Learning Clubs provide safe and supportive environments outside of school hours for disadvantaged children to work with trained tutors.

“I enjoy doing the colouring and doing the games. The teachers help me. They are really nice,” says David.

The Learning Club helps John and David in a way Dah Moo isn’t able to due to her own limited education. The assistance has made a huge difference to the boys’ speech, writing and maths.

“I'm so grateful ... I got good news from the teachers for each of them,” says Dah Moo.

Sponsorship and the Learning Club have made John much happier at school and he is very thankful.

“I feel confident and I don't feel shy anymore,” says John. “I just want to say thank you very much for helping me.”