Fight Education Inequality: Smith Family’s Back to School Appeal supports disadvantaged children in affording school essentials.
Nine out of 10 parents and carers of students supported by The Smith Family are worried they will not be able to afford all items their children need for school this year, a Smith Family survey has found. The results from the charity’s annual Pulse Survey highlight the severity of education inequality and the barriers faced by children living in families experiencing poverty.
“1.2 million children and young people in Australia are experiencing poverty through no fault of their own,” says The Smith Family CEO, Doug Taylor. “Poverty can have a profound and damaging effect on a child’s educational outcomes, with long-term consequences for their health, career and life prospects.”
Mr Taylor added that the increased cost of living has certainly impacted every family budget, but it has compounded issues that already existed for families they support.
The Smith Family launched its Back to School Appeal, aiming to secure sponsors to support another 15,000 students nationally through the charity’s flagship Learning for Life program, which currently supports 67,000 young people.
“The help of sponsors will provide Australian students experiencing disadvantage with vital financial assistance for school essentials, access to evidence-based out-of-school learning and mentoring programs, and personal support from a Smith Family team member – for the duration of their education,” says a spokesperson for The Smith Family.
Digital access is of particular importance according to Mr Taylor. “Sponsors enable children and support families who are digitally excluded to afford necessities such as a laptop and reliable home internet connection – so necessary for education participation today,” Mr Taylor says.
The Australian Government’s Jobs and Skills Commission (JSA) predicts nine out of 10 jobs by the end of 2026 will require post-secondary school qualifications.
“The JSA forecast emphasises the importance of ensuring children and young people experiencing disadvantage remain engaged with school and complete Year 12,” says Mr Taylor. “With the right support at the right time, students can overcome the obstacles that disadvantage puts in their way and be justly rewarded for their efforts.”
The Smith Family helps young Australians experiencing disadvantage to create better futures for themselves through harnessing the power of education.
Also read: Wentworth Point enjoys new and upgraded public schools
Milton writes as both an occupation and a hazard. He also works on the newsletters you see on Tuesday and Thursday with articles you should find interesting.
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