Help provide vital educational support to 11,705 Australian children this Christmas.

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
  Providing holistic, long-term support for disadvantaged young Australians throughout their education.
- 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.
View all programs
Get Involved
- Ways to fundraise
  Learn about fundraising and give back to the community with The Smith Family.
- Volunteer with us
  Share your skills to help Australian children in need transform their lives through education.
- Partnerships
  Learn how your organisation can partner with The Smith Family and help build a better future for Australian children in need.
- Careers
  We aim to provide a working environment where staff and volunteers have the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
- Events
  Participate in events and activities that support young Australians experiencing disadvantage.
- VIEW clubs of Australia
  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.
- Monthly donation
  Become a monthly donor and provide continual support throughout all stages of a child’s education.
- Philanthropic giving
  Through your philanthropy, you can ensure that young Australians impacted by poverty get the education that all children deserve.
- Single donation
  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.
Login
Child Sponsorship
Donate now

Donate now

Helping others warms Jeremy’s heart

Volunteers

04 July 2022

Three years ago, when he was offered the chance to volunteer as a student2student buddy, Jeremy’s first thought was, “Reading over the phone sounds a bit odd!”

“No one our age really calls anyone,” he explains. “But I thought about it and decided to give it a shot. I struggled myself in primary school, particularly with reading and writing, and in Year 2 I was diagnosed with dyslexia. I realised this was a chance to help someone with similar struggles, and that thought warmed my heart.”

For the first few reading sessions, Jeremy felt a bit awkward - but as the weeks passed, he and his buddy became firm friends. And as his buddy’s skill and confidence slowly grew, Jeremy realised he was getting as much out of the experience as she was.

“This program is a total win-win. I know I’ve had a positive impact on my reading buddy, and she has had an equally massive impact on me. Knowing I’ve helped someone change their attitude towards reading and make a difference in their life makes me feel very proud. It’s such a blessing.”

Volunteering for student2student helped Jeremy discover a passion for teaching, and he’s planning to study primary education at university next year.

“I’ve seen that I can shape the way for other students and inspire children to love learning. I can’t wait to get out there and get started.”

Student2student is a life-changing program for children who are struggling with reading, helping them to catch up in this crucial skill so they can achieve all they’re capable of at school.

It’s thanks to our wonderful supporters that dedicated young volunteers like Jeremy and their buddies have the opportunity to participate in student2student and do this incredible work. Thank you!

Popular Searches

Helping others warms Jeremy’s heart

Find out more about our programs

Learning Clubs

Students get creative with SmArts

iTrack mentoring