Help provide vital educational support to 11,705 Australian children this Christmas.

Our Programs
- Literacy programs
  Providing resources and support to help children living with disadvantage achieve the required reading standard.
- Technology programs
  Providing children and young people living with disadvantage with the critical skills, access, and equipment they need.
- Numeracy programs
  We support early years educators and community professionals in building foundational math skills in children under their care.
- Learning for Life
  Providing holistic, long-term support for disadvantaged young Australians throughout their education.
- Mentoring programs
  Mentoring programs for students living with disadvantage that provide the encouragement they need to build aspirations for their future.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs
  Our work engages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in learning through education, life skills and role models, promoting culturally responsive practice.
Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
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Get Involved
- Ways to fundraise
  Learn about fundraising and give back to the community with The Smith Family.
- Volunteer with us
  Share your skills to help Australian children in need transform their lives through education.
- Partnerships
  Learn how your organisation can partner with The Smith Family and help build a better future for Australian children in need.
- Careers
  We aim to provide a working environment where staff and volunteers have the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
- Events
  Participate in events and activities that support young Australians experiencing disadvantage.
- VIEW clubs of Australia
  Learn about VIEW, a leading women’s volunteer organisation and support network with over 16,000 members, across Australia.
Ways to Give
- Sponsor a child
  Through child sponsorship, you will be matched to an Australian child in need, helping to support the cost of their school essentials.
- A gift in your will
  Ensure that future generations of Australian children have the support they need to make the most of their education.
- Monthly donation
  Become a monthly donor and provide continual support throughout all stages of a child’s education.
- Philanthropic giving
  Through your philanthropy, you can ensure that young Australians impacted by poverty get the education that all children deserve.
- Single donation
  Your donation will help young Australians in need by providing access to our Learning for Life education support programs.
- Workplace giving
  Making small, regular donations to The Smith Family through Workplace Giving is an easy way to help change the lives of young Australians living in poverty.
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Rickechei is inspired to dream big

Students on programs

17 June 2019

At age 14, Rickechei is the eldest of five children. His parents work but are still struggling to pay off past debt. Before Rickechei started receiving our wrap-around support, the financial difficulties at home were causing challenges for him at school.

“People might think that because one or both parents are working, they should be fine. But many don’t know the circumstances that can lead to poverty,” said Pania, Rickechei’s mum.

“I felt like I was failing as a parent because I couldn’t provide for my children’s education.”

Three years ago, Pania turned to The Smith Family for support and everything changed. To start with, we matched Rickechei with a sponsor so he would have financial support for his school essentials each year.

With sponsorship, Rickechei can now go on excursions and I can buy him uniforms and text books.

“The staff at The Smith Family have been amazing and we have never once felt judged. We have always felt safe and comfortable and that is important when you are so vulnerable,” said Pania.

Thanks to our generous supporters, Rickechei also has access to our learning programs. Having the support he needs has transformed his attitude towards school.

“I have participated in Learning Club and the student2student reading program,” said Rickechei.

“Previously I didn’t really like school because I couldn’t read very well. Now I’ve improved by two levels. I’m so grateful!”

Through Learning Club, Rickechei receives help with his homework after school from volunteer tutors. Your support hasn’t only helped him to catch up in class. It has also opened his eyes to greater possibilities for the future. And now he is aiming high.

“My dream is to be a robotics engineer and play basketball professionally. I actually decided on engineering after talking to a Learning Club mentor who used to work at NASA,” said Rickechei.