On Christmas eve 1922, five businessmen walked into a Sydney orphanage carrying armfuls of toys and sweets. They walked out inspired by a single goal: to improve the lives of children experiencing disadvantage in Australia. When asked who the children could thank, one of the men, preferring to remain anonymous, said “Smith”. “What about the others?” the matron asked. “They’re Smiths too”, replied the man. “We’re all Smiths. We’re The Smith Family.”

And so, The Smith Family was born.

The 1930s was a decade characterised by hardship but it was also a time when people came together to help one another. The Smith Family’s vision – a better future for young Australians in need – was truly born. With the help of caring Australians, food and clothing packages were delivered, and hospitals and orphanages were established to help the most vulnerable members of society.

Fast forward until the early 60s, at a time when women were excluded from many aspects of public life, George Forbes, then General Secretary of The Smith Family, sees the potential for an organisation that enables women to come together outside the home, to socialise, network and assist others less fortunate through The Smith Family. The first VIEW Club (Voice, Interests and Education of Women) comes into being in Balgowlah, NSW. Sixty years on there are nearly 300 VIEW Clubs across Australia with over 14,000 members, and their fundraising efforts help support 1,500 students on the Learning for Life program.

Learning for Life Program

The Learning for Life sponsorship program acknowledges that children facing disadvantage require additional support to remain in school and pursue further education or employment.

When a student receives sponsorship through The Smith Family, they not only receive financial aid for school necessities but their family is also connected with a Learning for Life Coordinator. This Coordinator provides encouragement and assistance with the student’s education, connects families to local learning and mentoring programs, and helps children and young people engage fully in their schooling.

Mentoring programs

Many young individuals might be unaware of the variety of opportunities open to them. Pursuing studies at university or TAFE presents difficulties for most young people, and without access to adults who have experienced higher education and can offer guidance, students may feel uncertain and disconnected from the possibility of attending tertiary institutions. A significant number of disadvantaged students are the first in their families to undertake tertiary education. For those lacking positive role models within their family networks, mentoring offers vital support and inspiration, helping them develop aspirations for their future and stay motivated to successfully complete their higher education.

Technology programs

A computer and internet access is now a critical part of school life.

Research and evidence has shown that financially disadvantaged children and their families face barriers of social isolation, poor academic performance and unemployment as a result of a lack of understanding and limited, or no, access to information and communication technology.

In 2012, only 67.8% (or two thirds) of children living in the most disadvantaged communities in Australia accessed the internet at home, compared to 90.5% of those living in the most advantaged areas.

Although access to computers and the internet at schools and libraries is an option, this poses additional barriers for disadvantaged families, particularly when younger school-children are involved. Having a computer and internet access within the home is now critical part of school life. Without these opportunities children may not be getting the most out of their education.