The Smith Family is a national children’s education charity that works with children and young people to overcome educational inequality caused by poverty – so they can thrive now and into their futures.
Our learning support and mentoring programs help children in need to fit in at school, keep up with their peers, and build aspirations for a better future. We couldn't achieve any of this without our incredible supporters - just like you!
The risk factors that can lead to educational disadvantage can begin in a child's early years and continue throughout their school lives.
The children we support face complex and often compounding challenges. This doesn't just impact their life at home. It can flow on to their education.
Without vital educational support, children in need can have limited choices and opportunities in life.
Investing in the education of a child in need delivers long-term and potentially intergenerational benefits.
You can be part of a movement to help children in need to dream big – and reach their true potential. Your fundraising will support young Australians in need to participate more fully in their education, so they can achieve better life outcomes overall.
Our innovative, evidence-based programs provide targeted support that begins early in a child's life, helping them to attend school, to stay engaged and motivated, and to go on to further study, training or employment.
Introducing Shelby
“There were times at school when I was struggling... It was really hard.” - Shelby, aged 14
Living week to week, Shelby and his mum, Sandy, have certainly faced some challenges together over the years.
"The Smith Family has definitely eased that burden for us, with the kids going back to school. Having their uniforms and shoes paid for is such a fantastic thing."
Shelby has also faced his own challenges at school and was enrolled in one of The Smith Family’s learning support programs. As Sandy watched her son begin to catch up at school, it was as though someone had turned on a light for him.
“When I finish school, I want to be a carpenter and run my own business…I want to build my mum a house. It’s a dream goal for me.” - Shelby, aged 14
Your impact
- Last year, more than 62,000 young Australians in need were supported on Learning for Life program - which provides a combination of financial, personal and practical support.
- More than 162,000 children and young people participated in The Smith Family's programs.
- The Smith Family operated in 91 communities across Australia, and we partnered with almost 800 schools.
And much of this, is thanks to our incredible supporters and fundraisers - just like you.
By taking part in The Dream Run, you can help provide more children with the essentials they need for school, like uniforms, books, and access to life-changing learning support – so they can fit in, keep up at school and thrive into the future.
Join The Dream Run today to help kids in need change their tomorrow.
199,680
People received
support
In 2022-23, The Smith Family reached 199,680 children, young people, parents, carers and community professionals through our programs.
62,822
Students sponsored
on Learning for Life
In 2022-23, we supported 62,822 Australian students in need through our Learning for Life sponsorships, providing financial, and personal support, as well as the extra tools and resources to help students stay and school, and thrive.
15,020
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples
In 2022-23 15,020 students participating in our Learning for Life program identified as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
