About 1600 sponsors have pulled out of The Smith Family’s program that helps disadvantaged children stay at school.
The Smith Family’s Victorian general manager, Anton Leschen, said the sponsors had terminated their involvement in the charity’s Learning for Life program over the past 12 months.
He said this was not uncommon during times when economic circumstances changed.
The program supports students returning to school with buying new uniforms and books, and provides access to a Smith Family co-ordinator for guidance, mentoring and tutoring.
This year, more than 7700 Victorian students will be sponsored, with 1150 of the sponsorships being made through The Smith Family’s Broadmeadows and Epping offices.
“A decrease in sponsors over the past 12 months has left 1600 children vulnerable,” Mr Leschen said.
He said return-to-school costs could exceed $2000 for each child, meaning low-income families often struggled to afford schooling necessities, even before discretionary costs, such as excursions and camps, were factored in.
Roxburgh Park resident Susie Waugh has been a Learning for Life sponsor since 2008.
She signed up when she found out just how many children were forced to leave school because their parents couldn’t afford to keep them in the classroom.
The 49-year-old has never met her sponsored child but knows her name and year level and that she lives with her seven siblings and parents.
“My sponsorship enables my sponsored child to remain at school and obtain the advantage of a better education,” Ms Waugh said. “And for the small cost involved, it makes me feel good knowing that I’m making a difference.”
To sponsor a child, call 1800 024 069 or visit www.thesmithfamily.com.au.
Businesses and individuals can sponsor The Smith Family program or donate to the Back to School appeal in any of the 154 Officeworks stores located around Australia.
Lexi Cottee
