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View all programs Ebonie wants to give her daughter Lily the world – a sponsor is helping her do it
13 September 2024
Ebonie loves to give her daughters Lily, 9, and Holly, 11, inspiring and eye-opening experiences on the weekends. She wants to encourage them to dream big!
But as cost-of-living bites, the single mum is having to squeeze more out of the family budget. It was five years ago that things got really hard. Tougher economic conditions meant that things all children need for school were now beyond reach for her girls. “I wasn’t working, and Lily had started school. The uniforms cost a lot and I was struggling to get all the bits and pieces,” Ebonie recalls.
But as cost-of-living bites, the single mum is having to squeeze more out of the family budget. It was five years ago that things got really hard. Tougher economic conditions meant that things all children need for school were now beyond reach for her girls. “I wasn’t working, and Lily had started school. The uniforms cost a lot and I was struggling to get all the bits and pieces,” Ebonie recalls.
Children get their best chance to thrive when their parents have the help they need. When someone like you stepped up to sponsor Lily, it helped ease Ebonie's strain. With the financial support, Ebonie could cover Lily’s school essentials. As a result, Ebonie didn’t have to sacrifice her daughter’s education needs to cover things like rent and food.
“One time, I couldn’t afford new school shoes and I hoped Lily’s shoes could last a few more months. Thanks to her sponsor, I don’t have to stress about that now,” Ebonie says.
Lily has a friendly, warm personality and a way of looking out for others that is far beyond her years. Ebony believes this could take Lily far in life. She wants to ensure that adversity does not hold Lily back. At one point, Lily was too shy to practice reading out loud in class, putting her at risk of falling behind.
Lily has a friendly, warm personality and a way of looking out for others that is far beyond her years. Ebony believes this could take Lily far in life. She wants to ensure that adversity does not hold Lily back. At one point, Lily was too shy to practice reading out loud in class, putting her at risk of falling behind.
Since doing student2student, Lily’s probably if not the first person, the second person to put a hand up to answer the question.
Fortunately, with sponsorship, Lily got to join our student2student program. She was matched with a peer buddy to read over the phone. These friendly, low-pressure sessions helped Lily find her voice. “After a few sessions, Lily opened up and had a wonderful experience. Her reading has improved a lot – she’s now at the same standard as the rest of her classmates,” Ebonie says.
Ebonie loves that she can call Lily’s Learning for Life Coordinator, Kirsty, for advice and support. Kirsty helps Lily get the most out of student2student and other learning programs that are offered through sponsorship.
At Lily’s age, a laptop is a staple for homework, research and creative activities. So, it worried Ebonie that she and the girls had to rely on one old laptop between them which barely worked. She couldn’t afford a new one. Ebonie spoke to Kirsty about their digital access problem. “Kirsty said she had some laptops for families like mine,” she says. The refurbished laptop was offered to Lily through the Digital Learning Essentials Program. Ebonie knows that it’s thanks to sponsorship, that they have Kirsty in their corner, ensuring Lily gets access to online learning opportunities her classmates have.
Every parent wants their child to set their sights high. But only when a student like Lily gets the support they need to fully participate in learning can they achieve all they aspire to and work so hard for. The learning support you provide is allowing your student to achieve what may have once felt impossible to them.
Every parent wants their child to set their sights high. But only when a student like Lily gets the support they need to fully participate in learning can they achieve all they aspire to and work so hard for. The learning support you provide is allowing your student to achieve what may have once felt impossible to them.
My kids’ education is very important. I didn’t do well in school, so I’m glad that my kids are doing a lot better than I was at their age.
Read more student and family stories in our Spring 2024 edition of Real People, Real Stories
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