There are still 4,532 Australian children who need extra learning support by 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.
View all programs
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.
Login
Child Sponsorship
Donate now

Terri is paying it forward

Learning for Life staff

01 November 2022

Terri is one of our Learning for Life coordinators at The Smith Family. She lives in regional Victoria.

Every day, she sees how poverty is blocking access to education for many families in her local community. She’s also been there herself.

Growing up, Terri participated in The Smith Family Learning for Life program in her hometown. She was paired with a sponsor through the program in high school. The sponsorship helped relieved Terri’s parents of some of their financial stress.

“For families experiencing financial disadvantage like mine, programs like Learning for Life help cover the cost of uniforms, camps, excursions, and digital equipment. It can make all the difference to what they can achieve at school,” says Terri.

With support from her sponsor, Terri successfully completed Year 12 and undertook a university degree.

“Now, as a Learning for Life coordinator, I can pay it forward and support other families in my community,” says Terri. “It’s amazing to see how empowering students to break down the barriers to education gives them a chance to succeed now and in their future.”

Education is one of the most powerful change agents for breaking the cycle of poverty. And our Learning for Life program encourages students to harness education and achieve all they are capable of.

A highlight of Terri’s year is seeing the excitement of these students who have reached the milestone of Year 12 graduation, thanks to the support of their sponsors.

I'm now able to pay it forward, and support other local families to achieve the same educational success I received through The Smith Family.

Terri, Learning for Life Coordinator

Popular Searches

Terri is paying it forward

READ MORE STORIES

Meet Declan

Hear from Learning for Life Coordinator Karina

Kaytlyn's boost to reach big goals