Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs Jackson and Edward almost gave up at school
12 March 2021
Life had been a rollercoaster for Susan and her three sons, Edward, Jackson and Lawrence. After leaving a very unhealthy relationship, Susan tried to make a new life for herself and her children. But when Lawrence, now six, was diagnosed with autism, she had to give up her job and they plunged further into hardship. Money was very tight. “It was a real struggle,” recalls Susan.
Through all life’s ups and downs, school had always been the stable foundation for Edward, 9, and Jackson, 11. But, with one massive challenge after another, their love of learning was almost extinguished. “My children were struggling to stay motivated at school — they didn’t feel part of the team,” says Susan.
Through all life’s ups and downs, school had always been the stable foundation for Edward, 9, and Jackson, 11. But, with one massive challenge after another, their love of learning was almost extinguished. “My children were struggling to stay motivated at school — they didn’t feel part of the team,” says Susan.
Susan knew education was her sons’ path to a better life. She was thrilled when her boys were offered sponsorship, thanks to generous people like you. “The sponsorship has really encouraged them, and I am glad the battle of trying to get them to go to school is over,” she says.
The impact was almost instant — from new uniforms, to backpacks, basic sports equipment and even a laptop to share for their schoolwork, the kindness of strangers put school essentials back within reach. It also meant so much to Susan and the boys to meet their warm, welcoming Learning for Life Coordinator, Kate, who could help them get the most out of their sponsorship.
For keen footballer Jackson, Year 6 had become such a chore, but Learning Club changed that. He loves the variety — from art sessions, to homework help, activities with classmates and even the occasional treat of pizza. “Learning Club has helped me with my homework, so I can understand more the next day at school,” says Jackson. “I’ve gained confidence.”
Learning Club has helped me with my homework, so I can understand more the next day at school.
Chatty little brother Edward, Year 4, loves basketball. He is now also full of confidence thanks to reading support through our student2student program. “My reading buddy Emily is a good friend,” says Edward. “I struggle sometimes, and she helps me with the words. My favourite book is The Gruffalo's Child and now I just want to read it to my little brother Lawrence.”
“It’s a great program,” says Susan. “They ring up each other and have a chit-chat and read their books out loud together. For Indigenous cultures, traditionally we're an aural based community, so it’s nice this program has that aspect.” Susan is so relieved her boys have given school a second chance. Their teachers have noticed too. “Feedback from Edward’s school is that he is very engaged,” says Susan.
“I don’t think sponsors realise how big a part they’re playing. They’re coming into people’s lives without even knowing them or meeting them. It takes a village to raise a family, and as a Smith Family sponsor, you became part of that village.
“You are willing to support a family who you'll never meet. You are instrumental in that child’s learning journey, and that's huge. Whatever that child may do in the future, you have played a part in that. I don't think there are enough words to say, ‘thank you’.”
Read more student and family stories in our Autumn edition of Real People, Real Stories.
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