Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs Monique’s formula for success
10 January 2024
All Australian students should have their choice of career. They deserve to dream big and be able to go for it. Monique has enjoyed maths and science since primary school. Her mind was filled with wonder about the workings of the human body. There was so much to learn.
But her family struggled to afford a computer or the internet. These resources were critical for her to participate fully in her favourite subjects. Poverty was standing in the way of Monique reaching her potential.
But her family struggled to afford a computer or the internet. These resources were critical for her to participate fully in her favourite subjects. Poverty was standing in the way of Monique reaching her potential.
Then Monique was connected with the support of a sponsor. Sponsorship provided the support and resources Monique needed to overcome the barriers of disadvantage. “At this time, I didn’t have access to the internet or any mobile devices, which made school projects and learning in general difficult,” says Monique.
“Sponsorship helped provide me with essential school needs – including uniform items, schoolbooks, and internet at home to keep up with the introduction of tech in the classroom.”
Your sponsorship also gives students like Monique access to out-of-school programs, such as Learning Club. The program helped Monique build the skills she needed to participate fully in school, and move closer to her post-school dreams. Monique looked forward to attending Learning Club, where she received homework support from volunteer tutors.
“I was going to Learning Club every week,” Monique explains.
“I really liked the tutors and the volunteers. They were so encouraging and supportive. I think it definitely helps with my confidence.”
As the financial burden eased, Monique could focus on her studies. Her determination paid off in ATAR scores high enough to pick a university course. For this bright student, it was health and medical studies at an advanced level.
Tertiary education often comes with increased financial challenges. Monique needed specialised tools and equipment for her subjects. Sponsorship continued to ease this extra strain, so Monique had all she needed for her studies.
“I used my Smith Family sponsorship to buy a lab coat and glasses for anatomy classes,” she says. “Uni work eventually overwhelmed my old laptop, so I recently had the privilege of buying a brand new one – a major financial burden I would have dreaded without the support I’ve received from my sponsor.”
Thanks to sponsors like you, Learning for Life students also have support from a Coordinator throughout their learning journey. Monique’s Coordinator connected her to the educational programs that helped her to thrive. But along with her sponsor, they also provided emotional support. This unlocked her view of her own potential.
“When I was about to start my first year at uni my Coordinator took me through some really helpful tips about uni life and she told me about programs I had access to. Once or twice a semester I get emails from her, and she asks if everything is going OK – ‘do you need to catch up on anything? We can have a call if you need’.
Where I am now in my educational journey would be unfathomable to my younger self. Thank you to my sponsor and The Smith Family for your continued support.
“When you have a lot of people supporting you through your education and telling you you're doing well at school or congratulating you on achievements, you start thinking, ‘Maybe I can go to uni and maybe I can be something more than I thought I could.’”
Monique is now in her second year at university and is determined to become a leader in medical science.
“Where I am now in my educational journey would be unfathomable to my younger self. I know that without my sponsor and The Smith Family’s help, I wouldn’t have had the confidence or support in applying for the things I considered out of my reach. So, thank you to my sponsor and The Smith Family for your continued support.”
