Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs Meet Montana, an artist on the ice rink, easel and microphone
13 September 2024
One night, single mum Mandy saw a TV ad about The Smith Family’s sponsorship program. She knew this was what she needed to help her children reach their full potential. The next day, Mandy knocked on the assistant principal’s door at her children’s school. “I wanted to see if they offered the program,” she says.
Soon after, Montana, in Year 4, and Darcy, in Reception, were linked with amazing sponsors like you. They received financial support for school essentials that had fallen out of reach. “It absolutely did help my kids, being presentable and having their new school bags and shoes and uniforms,” Mandy says. “They could feel just like all the other kids.”
Soon after, Montana, in Year 4, and Darcy, in Reception, were linked with amazing sponsors like you. They received financial support for school essentials that had fallen out of reach. “It absolutely did help my kids, being presentable and having their new school bags and shoes and uniforms,” Mandy says. “They could feel just like all the other kids.”
From primary school through to high school, Montana’s sponsor has stayed a vital presence in her life. Her mum Mandy appreciates the continuity of care they bring. Sponsorship has also kept Montana and Mandy connected to their Learning for Life Coordinators, Yolanda and Tania. They are valued Smith Family team members who are deeply connected to their community. They are out there every day, helping families get the most out of sponsorship. “They ring me up and email me about the different Smith Family programs that are available to my kids,” Mandy says.
Over the years, Montana has been an enthusiastic participant in these out-of-school learning programs. As part of her sponsorship, she could join Learning Club and student2student. Participating in these programs supports Montana to develop crucial academic skills like reading and keeps her motivated – key ingredients to be an active participant at school.
Over the years, Montana has been an enthusiastic participant in these out-of-school learning programs. As part of her sponsorship, she could join Learning Club and student2student. Participating in these programs supports Montana to develop crucial academic skills like reading and keeps her motivated – key ingredients to be an active participant at school.
Ice hockey and art have become Montana’s huge passions. Mandy looks at her daughter and sees a resilient learner, working toward her goals. This became clear to her recently. A major artwork Montana had produced for her city’s annual art prize got damaged. Montana set to work, painstakingly restoring the painting. “It took her weeks to fix it, but she did it and she won in the First Nation section,” says Mandy.
Another thrilling achievement was a five-month study tour of Canada Montana recently completed. She is one of the Kaurna Boomerangs, Australia’s first Indigenous ice hockey team. It’s one of those amazing learning experiences all parents dream their child might get. Montana made the most of this life-changing opportunity. She hit plenty of goals on ice and returned a confident public speaker too, as she became team spokesperson for countless media interviews!
Another thrilling achievement was a five-month study tour of Canada Montana recently completed. She is one of the Kaurna Boomerangs, Australia’s first Indigenous ice hockey team. It’s one of those amazing learning experiences all parents dream their child might get. Montana made the most of this life-changing opportunity. She hit plenty of goals on ice and returned a confident public speaker too, as she became team spokesperson for countless media interviews!
I've really grown. I can stand up in front of a crowd and put something together on the spot now, which is a big step for me
What Mandy has always wanted for her daughter is happening – chains of poverty have been broken thanks to Montana’s sponsor. Montana is now free to achieve her potential. She’s also an inspiring role model for her brother Darcy, now in Year 8. “Montana is a shining star and a natural on the ice and with a paintbrush,” Mandy says. “Her brother adores her for it. Montana’s sponsor has had a big hand in getting her where she is today, and I can’t thank them enough!”
Read more student and family stories in our Spring 2024 edition of Real People, Real Stories
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