There are still 5,902 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

Sponsorship helped Kevin choose a career

Sponsored students

13 March 2018

Kevin can’t imagine where he would be without The Smith Family. For almost 10 years he has been sponsored. And it has provided extra educational opportunities that have shaped his whole career path.

“My family wasn’t rich, but I never felt that I missed out. Thanks to sponsorship, I felt like I got everything that I needed for my education,” said Kevin, aged 19.

Disadvantaged students often miss out on learning experiences that could broaden their horizons. Our Art and Writing Competition helps students to develop self-expression and confidence, which are core foundations for many careers. In Kevin’s case, it sparked his aspiration of becoming an architect.

Kevin - Art and Writing — Kevin's winning Art & Writing Competition entry

“When I was 12 years old, I did this drawing and, surprisingly, actually won for my age group!” said Kevin. “That led me to pick Visual Arts in Year 12. Then it went a step further when I chose to do architecture at university.

“The whole process of entering the art competition led me to where I am today. That would not have happened if The Smith Family didn't have those extra activities.”

Many disadvantaged students lack the guidance and connections to help them transition from study to work. Our Cadetship to Career program is a joint venture between The Smith Family and the Business Council of Australia. It offers students paid work experience with the Council’s member companies, including training and development.

“I'm excited about the Cadetship to Career program because it offers me something that I've really been lacking,” said Kevin.

"Coming from a low-income family, I don't have networks, because my parents don’t have connections. It's very hard for me to go into the professional workforce and get a professional job without these networks.”Now Kevin feels well-equipped to build a successful future.

“Ever since Year 7, The Smith Family has helped me pursue my love for art, which has grown into my passion for architecture. To my sponsors, I'd like to say a really big thank you,” said Kevin.