DONATE TO OUR WINTER APPEAL TO HELP PROVIDE LEARNING SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN IN POVERTY
Starting at a new school in the middle of term 2 has been scary, and the disruption is having a profound effect on her learning. Her year 3 classmates had already established friendships and gaining knowledge and confidence, further highlighting Leah's challenges in adapting to this critical school year.

Despite her resilience, 8-year-old Leah's aspirations are hindered by the cycle of poverty. Leah, with a bright spark of ambition, represents the potential found in every child.
The future could hold endless possibilities for Leah. But growing up in poverty, Leah faces daily barriers that her more advantaged classmates are fortunate to avoid.
I love building and drawing houses. I want to make that my job.
Disadvantage affects more than just grades; it impacts futures.

Disadvantage affects more than just grades; it impacts futures.
Her mother, Kim, a hospital orderly, has tirelessly worked to give her daughters the best possible start in life, despite facing her own struggles and leaving school early to support her family.
Kim and Bec try their best to support Leah, sharing a love for reading with her, but neither of them has the confidence to help her with maths. Their living situation doesn't help either, with them all cramped into a tiny one-bedroom apartment, offering little space for Leah to do her homework.
My mum and sister help me with reading, but maths is tough. I need to be good at it to design buildings.
YOU CAN GIVE CHILDREN LIKE LEAH A CHANCE TO BUILD A BETTER FUTURE FOR THEMSELVES

However, there is hope. Through early intervention and targeted support that’s proven to help children boost their confidence and build core skills, they can receive the help they need to overcome these challenges2, so they’ll have the best possible options for further study or employment.
Your donation will open the door for Leah to join one of our Learning Clubs, where 76% of attendees report improved classroom performance3. She will get help with her maths from a volunteer tutor and have a supportive space to do her homework.
Additionally, your generous donation today can enable Leah to participate in our Future Seekers program. This innovative initiative introduces which lets primary school students explore the world of work, showing children like Leah the endless possibilities an education can offer.
Your help will help provide our proven out-of-school learning support as early as Term 3, so Leah can catch up and develop the learning foundations she needs for her success this year and beyond.
Your support can change lives. Give Leah the chance to build a brighter future. Donate now to empower children to learn today and transform their tomorrows, ensuring they have the opportunity to pursue a brighter future.

HOW YOUR DONATION WILL HELP A STUDENT

Future Seekers
With 71% of students reporting a greater initial understanding of the diversity of jobs4, Leah too can receive guidance on how to best use her strengths and interests to pursue her dream of becoming an architect.

Learning Clubs
So Leah can have an ideal study environment and receive the tailored support she needs to catch up and keep up with her maths.
84% of students said going to our Learning Club makes them try harder at school.5

Passport Program

With your support, Leah’s better tomorrow could start today. Your donation will help her access the life-changing extra learning support she needs to catch up, keep up, and achieve everything she’s capable of.
FAQs
Can Leah's situation be improved with the support of The Smith Family's learning programs?
How can I contribute to helping children through The Smith Family's programs?
How can I stay updated on the impact of my donation and the progress of children like Leah?
The Smith Family regularly provides updates on their website and through newsletters to keep donors informed about the impact of their contributions.
How does The Smith Family provide learning support to children?
How much of my donation goes to The Smith Family's programs?
How prevalent is childhood disadvantage in Australia, and why is it affecting children's education?
What are the specific costs that parents are struggling to cover, impacting their ability to support their children's learning?
What is out-of-school learning support, and how does it help children?
What specific challenges do children face in achieving their best at school due to poverty?
Children in poverty often face obstacles such as limited time for homework due to parents' additional work shifts, lack of a comfortable quiet study space and the need to contribute to family responsibilities.
Why is it crucial to address the educational challenges of children in poverty in a country like Australia?
* Leah’s name, family details and associated images have been changed to protect his family’s identity.
1 Poverty in Australia 2023: Who is affected? UNSW/ACOSS2. Lamb S., Jackson J., Walstab A. and Huo S. (2015), Who succeeds and who misses out, Centre for International Research on Education. Systems, Victoria University, for the Mitchell Institute, Melbourne.
2 Cunha F & Heckman J (2007) ‘The technology of skill formation’, American Economic Review, American Economic Association, Vol. 97, No. 2, p. 44.
3 The Smith Family, 2018, Education outcomes report: Attendance lifts achievement.
4 The Smith Family’s Learning Clubs Program Outcomes Summary, 2022.
5 The Smith Family’s Future Seekers Program Outcomes Summary 2022.
6 The Smith Family’s Passport to Success Outcomes Summary, 2022.