Learning for Life


Education has the power to change lives and break the cycle of disadvantage.

To improve a young person’s chances to create a better economic future for themselves, research tell us it’s important for children to be engaged in school and stay until Year 12 or equivalent. But sadly not every child has the same opportunities to achieve this.

 

The Smith Family work focuses on Australian children in families and communities where we know it’s harder for them to fully participate in their education without some help.

 

The Learning for Life program provides emotional, practical and financial support to help disadvantaged children and young people with their education. Their support starts in the early years of learning development and continues through primary and high school. The programs help build skills, knowledge, motivation, self-belief and a network of positive relationships with parents, peers and significant others. This support increases a young person’s likelihood of remaining engaged with school, completing Year 12 and developing realistic and informed study and career pathways for life beyond the school gate.

 

The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program is an innovative, evidence-based program that is successful in achieving long-term outcomes for young people experiencing disadvantage.

Through targeted support that begins early in a child’s life and continues throughout their first two decades, Learning for Life keeps students engaged at every stage of their education by providing:

  • financial support to help families meet the cost of school essentials like uniforms, books, and excursions;
  • guidance and advice from a dedicated Learning for Life Coordinator to make sure students and their families have the practical and emotional support they need throughout their education; and
  • ongoing access to our targeted programs like Learning Clubs to help students catch up, and mentoring programs like iTrack to help build the skills to thrive at school and beyond.