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Vanessa’s grandkids can now tap into tech

Sponsored students

06 September 2021

vanessa-chevrolet-shelby-lexus — Vanessa (left) and her grandchildren

Vanessa didn’t think twice about putting retirement on hold to raise four grandkids single-handedly when the need arose. But at her age, she never thought she’d only just be covering rent and food and unable to buy new clothes for her grandchildren, Chevrolet, Shelby, Mercedez and Lexus. And yes, they were all named after cars!

Vanessa had already been living with hardship for many years before the grandkids came. Having to unexpectedly cover school essentials at her age was impossible. So, she was a “grateful grandma” when her grandkids got Learning for Life sponsorships, thanks to people like you. It meant proper uniforms and backpacks, quality shoes and socks. They could join in our after school programs like Learning Club and student2student.

“They’d go off skipping to school,” says Vanessa. “I felt so proud and happy to have The Smith Family in our lives.”

Then the pandemic hit, and the disruption caused by online learning was intense. Vanessa could not afford an iPad or laptop for her grandkids to work on – let alone internet access. “I only had a little mobile phone to access their online programs,” she says.

Because Vanessa’s grandkids had sponsorship, the family was given a free laptop to share through our Digital Access program, made possible by our corporate partner Suncorp. They also received free internet and tech support to make the most of this new technology.

“When you have a laptop, it’s a lifeline, especially when it’s for the education of your grandchildren,” says Vanessa. “It’s humbling that there are people out there who don’t know me but care about my grandkids building a good future.”

Hear more from Vanessa in our Breaking Poverty podcast.

Read more student and family stories in our Spring 2021 edition of Real People, Real Stories.

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