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.
The Smith Family chief executive officer Doug Taylor said 1.2 million children and young people in Australia are experiencing poverty through no fault of their own.
“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,” he said.
“It’s alarming to hear so many families are concerned about not being able to afford what children need for their learning this school year.”
For the nine out of 10 respondents worried about covering the costs of everything for the school year, their biggest concerns are children missing out on:
• digital devices needed for schoolwork (54.8 per cent);
• educational activities outside of school (45.8 per cent);
• internet access at home needed for schoolwork (20.3 per cent) – an increase from 16.6 per cent in 2023;
• uniforms or shoes (42.1 per cent);
• school excursions (38 per cent) – an increase from 32 per cent in 2023;
The Smith Family has 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.
Mr Taylor says digital access is of particular importance.
“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.
“Unfortunately, 30 per cent of students on our Learning for Life program are digitally excluded but we aim to change this so that every student we help can have full digital access.
“It’s an ambition that can be achieved through the support of generous sponsors supporting these children and young people over the long-term.”
The Australian Government’s Jobs and Skills Commission (JSA), formerly the National Skills Commission, predicts nine out of 10 jobs by the end of 2026 will require post-secondary school qualifications.
Mr Taylor says the JSA forecast emphasises the importance of ensuring children and young people experiencing disadvantage remain engaged with school and complete Year 12.
“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,” Mr Taylor says.
“The increased cost of living has certainly impacted every family budget. But it has compounded issues that already existed for families we support. I can’t say it enough: education is one of the most powerful change agents for breaking the cycle of generational poverty.
“I would urge anyone who has the financial means to become a Learning for Life sponsor.”
Mr Taylor added: “The support from our much-valued partners such as Officeworks, who has contributed $9.3 million over 12 years has been vital to assisting students experiencing disadvantage to fully participate in their education.”
To donate visit thesmithfamily.com.au/sponsor-a-child
