There are still 4,532 Australian children who need extra learning support by 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.
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Child Sponsorship
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Arts programs

High school students photography exhibition

Financial disadvantage can prevent children and young people from getting involved in opportunities that supplement classroom learning and stimulate personal growth.

There is a growing body of evidence that the development of non-cognitive skills in children and young people, such as motivation and self-confidence, can influence schooling and employment achievements. Disadvantaged children growing up in environments of financial stress often have limited family and social networks or access to opportunities and resources, and may struggle to have their social and emotional needs met.

Research and our own experience tells us that when students participate in creative enrichment programs and initiatives aimed at developing their social and emotional capabilities, it can help increase their attachment to school, improve their confidence, and build their aspirations for further education.

We place value on providing extra-curricular opportunities to disadvantaged students to help support their social and emotional development and build on their emerging talents and interests.

CONverge bringing students together from across Sydney

For over a decade, CONverge has been helping disadvantaged students from schools in Western Sydney find a voice.

Take a glimpse behind the scenes of the 2014 CONverge program and the final concert that brought together students from Fairfield, Mitchell and Cranebrook High Schools at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

2014 CONverge concert

"To be able to sing makes you feel happy, makes you feel stronger, it gives you more confidence." - Sarah, CONverge program participant.

Learn more

Arts programs

SmArts

Students with an interest in the creative arts are connected with art organisations and provided with access to relevant career information.