A Message From The Smith Family:

The Smith Family is a national children’s education charity dedicated to helping young Australians overcome educational inequality caused by poverty. For more than 100 years, we’ve worked alongside families and communities to ensure that every child has the opportunity to change their future. Our belief is simple yet powerful: education is one of the most effective tools for breaking the cycle of disadvantage.

Right now, 1.2 million Australian children are growing up in poverty, and that can make succeeding at school much harder. When families struggle to afford essentials like uniforms, books or digital access, students can fall behind – not because they lack ability, but because they lack opportunity. Through our flagship Learning for Life program, we provide practical, long-term support that helps children stay engaged with their learning and build the skills they need for a brighter future.

In particular, we know that digital access is now critical to educational success. Many learning opportunities, from homework to research and classroom participation, rely on access to technology and the internet. For students in families experiencing disadvantage, this can be a major barrier. Through our Digital Learning Essentials program, which provides devices, connectivity and digital skills, we help ensure that children are not left behind in an increasingly connected world.

Through evidence-based programs and partnerships, we’re creating lasting change for students, families and communities. Together with our valued partners like ASCA, we’re working towards a fairer Australia where every child has the chance to thrive.