Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs May's story
21 May 2015
May and her family arrived in Australia in 1994 with only the clothes they were wearing and $100.
"We had a lot of financial difficulties. There were things we couldn't purchase, experiences we couldn't do," May remembers.
Click on the video to watch May's story.
The Smith Family helped with paying for new school uniforms, pens and pencils, pencil cases and books,
Financial support from sponsors provided the assistance that May and her siblings needed to get the most from their education and build a better future.
This long-term Learning for Life sponsorship that May received from The Smith Family helped her stay motivated at school, gain confidence and break the cycle of disadvantage.
"In my younger years, The Smith Family helped with paying for new school uniforms, pens and pencils, pencil cases and books. At university, the sponsorship helped with purchasing textbooks and traveling back and forth from uni."
Knowing there was somebody supporting her education inspired May to strive to do her best.
"I loved communicating with my sponsor. I loved being able to let them know how grateful I was for their support...that their help was really able to inspire and motivate me."
May says she wouldn't be where she is today if it wasn't for The Smith Family and her sponsor.
"I don't classify myself as disadvantaged anymore. Thank you so much. Your support has changed my life."
Curious to know what May is doing now? Watch the video to find out.
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