Sponsorship helped Anna's family

34,406 generous sponsors like you helped change the lives of more than 42,841 Australian children last year. Your sponsorship provides a child in need with the opportunity to participate fully in their education, and create a better future for themselves.

"I came from a family where we didn't even finish school. Knowing that my kids have a brighter future than I had puts my mind at ease," says Anna, whose three children are sponsored through The Smith Family's Learning for Life program.

With two children in high school and a younger daughter in primary school, education expenses can add up for the single mum who works in childcare.

"[Without the sponsorship], life was very hard. At that time, my ex-husband wasn't paying any child support. We lived day to day. It is hard doing it by yourself," she says.

The financial assistance she receives from her children's Smith Family sponsors helps to ease some of the burden of paying for school expenses such as uniforms, textbooks and excursions.

"[The best thing] is not having to stress so much money-wise, and knowing I have that bit of help for uniforms and books. Knowing my kids have this help is amazing."

The wrap-around support provided to Anna's children by their Smith Family Learning for Life Coordinator, who links them to learning and support programs to help them get the most from their education, is also invaluable to Anna.

Anna’s daughter Shayne participated in our iTrack mentoring program to help her make effective study and career choices.

"It's hard to get the time to sit down and do something with my own children and help them work out what they want to do. Having somebody else on the outside is amazing. My children are more confident. I really do appreciate the help. [The Smith Family] is putting my kids' life and future in place. Thank you for the opportunities from [the sponsorship] and for helping my children."