We need to provide learning support for 18,922 children by 30 June.

Our Programs
- Literacy programs
  Providing resources and support to help children living with disadvantage achieve the required reading standard.
- Technology programs
  Providing children and young people living with disadvantage with the critical skills, access, and equipment they need.
- Numeracy programs
  We support early years educators and community professionals in building foundational math skills in children under their care.
- Learning for Life
  Learning for Life is an innovative, evidence-based program that supports students throughout their education to achieve positive long-term outcomes for young people experiencing disadvantage.
- Mentoring programs
  Mentoring programs for students living with disadvantage that provide the encouragement they need to build aspirations for their future.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs
  Our work engages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in learning through education, life skills and role models, promoting culturally responsive practice.
Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
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  Learn about VIEW, a leading women’s volunteer organisation and support network with over 16,000 members, across Australia.
Ways to Give
- Sponsor a child
  Through child sponsorship, you will be matched to an Australian child in need, helping to support the cost of their school essentials.
- A gift in your will
  Ensure that future generations of Australian children have the support they need to make the most of their education.
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  Become a monthly donor and provide continual support throughout all stages of a child’s education.
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  Through your philanthropy, you can ensure that young Australians impacted by poverty get the education that all children deserve.
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  Your donation will help young Australians in need by providing access to our Learning for Life education support programs.
- Workplace giving
  Making small, regular donations to The Smith Family through Workplace Giving is an easy way to help change the lives of young Australians living in poverty.
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Christian knows what it takes to overcome barriers – that’s why he’s sponsoring a student

17 March 2025

Former rugby league star Christian Welch is an inspiring individual. In a 10-year career, he’s reached three grand finals, won a premiership and become Melbourne Storm player number 167. But even more remarkably, Christian is helping to transform the lives of children experiencing disadvantage through child sponsorship. Like so many Australians, Christian knows that education is a powerful change agent for children in poverty. Because of sponsors like you and Christian, 67,165students across Australia are now getting the chance to achieve their best at school this year. Thank you!

Christian has witnessed the impact of poverty on educational inequality, and he was moved to make a difference by becoming a child sponsor.

Imagine being the only student not in school uniform. Or how hard it must be to meet learning milestones when you can’t do your homework because you don’t have an adequate internet connection or a laptop

Christian, Learning for Life sponsor

“We know this often leads to students experiencing disadvantage or becoming disengaged with school,” Christian reflects.

Together, your support ensures poverty doesn’t hold children back. You’re helping to break down the barriers it creates. This helps ensure every young person has an equal chance to succeed –no matter their circumstances.

Christian goes on to explain: “I think it’s so rewarding being a sponsor because I had such a privileged childhood. Being able to help a young Australian who is doing it tough – that’s the best feeling. Education is the key to breaking the cycle.”

Christian built his football career on determination and overcoming barriers. It’s partly why he notices and admires the resilience of children facing disadvantage. With support from sponsors like you and Christian, these children are building core numeracy and literacy skills and are working towards achieving their full potential. “It’s amazing to be a part of that journey with them,” Christian says.

Thank you for joining people like Christian, who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people who need it most. Together, you are creating a brighter, fairer future for Australia, one child at a time.

Read more student and family stories in our Autumn 2025 edition of Real People, Real Stories

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