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.
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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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KIKASS | Keeping Indigenous Kids at Secondary School

Funding for Keeping Indigenous Kids at Secondary School ended on 30 June 2016 so this web page has been developed as a legacy and an ongoing resource to support information sharing and learning what works to improve outcomes for children and young people.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are less likely to complete Year 12 than their peers, which significantly impacts their chance of finding work as an adult.

High school indigenous students are also at risk of poorer attendance rates.

Giving disadvantaged Indigenous children and their families’ motivation, support and encouragement to turn up to class can reduce the likelihood that students will leave school early, and increase their chances of completing a high school education.

What is Keeping Indigenous Kids at Secondary School (KIKASS)?

KIKASS is a high school support program for Indigenous students at Bairnsdale Secondary College in Victoria, and their parents. It is offered to students supported through our Learning for Life program.

By providing opportunities for students to participate in Indigenous arts, leadership, music, sports, dance, drama and skills building activities, the program encourages Indigenous children to stay at school longer, develop leadership skills, build a strong connection to their community, and learn skills in an area that interests them.

Parents are also encouraged to take part in the program by engaging with the school and our Learning for Life workers, who can provide guidance, assistance and advice to connect them with activities and programs in the local community.

How KIKASS helps

By the end of 2011, 26 students completed Year 12 and 77% of this number went on to further study or apprenticeships, cadetships or traineeships.

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs

KIKASS | Keeping Indigenous Kids at Secondary School

What is Keeping Indigenous Kids at Secondary School (KIKASS)?

How KIKASS helps

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs

Girls at the Centre

Our actions toward reconciliation

Indigenous Youth Leadership Program

Reconciliation Action Plan