Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs Adam and Kelly's sponsors gave them a fair go when they needed it most
11 March 2024
When Anna’s husband’s health started to deteriorate, everyone in the family, including Adam, 14 and Kelly, 12 faced big challenges. They had to move from the country to a larger city in Queensland where he could get full-time care.
The children were adjusting to their dad not being at home and fitting in at a new school. Financially it was very tough for Anna to cover food, bills, housing and the kids’ education costs all on her own.
Every
child needs stability and support to fully participate at school, or
else they can be blocked from achieving their goals. With all these
daily challenges, there was now a risk that Adam and Kelly would miss
out on the fair go that Australians expect everyone should receive.
Fortunately, this wasn’t the case. Anna and her children met a Parent Engagement Officer at their new school, Ricky, who introduced them to The Smith Family. Soon after, wonderful sponsors like
you stepped up to ease some of the challenges and ensure Adam and Kelly could receive the educational support all children need to flourish.“It served as a positive sign that there is always hope,” Anna says.
Financial support from sponsors like you in the four years since has covered their learning essentials like excursions, stationery and textbooks. A huge barrier to the children’s success had been removed. “I used the support for school bags, shoes and socks, and uniforms,” Anna says. “These are always outgrown and worn-out after the last school year.
Fortunately, this wasn’t the case. Anna and her children met a Parent Engagement Officer at their new school, Ricky, who introduced them to The Smith Family. Soon after, wonderful sponsors like
you stepped up to ease some of the challenges and ensure Adam and Kelly could receive the educational support all children need to flourish.“It served as a positive sign that there is always hope,” Anna says.
Financial support from sponsors like you in the four years since has covered their learning essentials like excursions, stationery and textbooks. A huge barrier to the children’s success had been removed. “I used the support for school bags, shoes and socks, and uniforms,” Anna says. “These are always outgrown and worn-out after the last school year.
“They are enjoying attending school and engaging in school activities. Having the essentials boosts their self-confidence and I believe this also helps them adjust easily to the new school environment.”
A family health crisis like Adam and Kelly went through can be so overwhelming. It can disrupt a student’s focus and emotional wellbeing. They can then struggle to concentrate and engage in their lessons.
A family health crisis like Adam and Kelly went through can be so overwhelming. It can disrupt a student’s focus and emotional wellbeing. They can then struggle to concentrate and engage in their lessons.
Sponsors give my children the motivation to learn more and enjoy every school experience
But thanks to programs like student2student, Adam and Kelly could rebuild their confidence to take on challenges. They enjoyed many happy afternoons reading with their buddies after school.
Anna saw their communication skills blossom and a growing enthusiasm to learn. “They didn’t miss a single reading session,” says Anna.
As part of our Digital Learning Essentials program, the children also receive free internet through the Optus Donate Your DataTM initiative, helping them reap the educational benefits that come with being digitally connected. “They are becoming tech savvy and improving in the skills they need to achieve their goals,” Anna says.
Today both siblings can participate fully in their education thanks to support from their sponsors. Adam is a determined learner in Year 9 and loves being on the school basketball team. Kelly is in Year 7 and involved in everything – from choir to volleyball and student council.
“Sponsors give my children the motivation to learn more and enjoy every school experience,” Anna says. “It’s a great feeling keeping in touch to let their sponsors know how much we value them
and appreciate their support.
“Thank you for being kind-hearted people sharing your blessing to help people like my family. We truly appreciate all your support.”
Anna saw their communication skills blossom and a growing enthusiasm to learn. “They didn’t miss a single reading session,” says Anna.
As part of our Digital Learning Essentials program, the children also receive free internet through the Optus Donate Your DataTM initiative, helping them reap the educational benefits that come with being digitally connected. “They are becoming tech savvy and improving in the skills they need to achieve their goals,” Anna says.
Today both siblings can participate fully in their education thanks to support from their sponsors. Adam is a determined learner in Year 9 and loves being on the school basketball team. Kelly is in Year 7 and involved in everything – from choir to volleyball and student council.
“Sponsors give my children the motivation to learn more and enjoy every school experience,” Anna says. “It’s a great feeling keeping in touch to let their sponsors know how much we value them
and appreciate their support.
“Thank you for being kind-hearted people sharing your blessing to help people like my family. We truly appreciate all your support.”
Anna’s moving poem shows how, when The Smith Family, schools and sponsors like you come together to help a student, that extraordinary feeling, care and support wraps around the entire family.
Read more student and family stories in our Autumn 2024 edition of Real People, Real Stories
Download
