Thousands of students, including those in Hume and Whittlesea, could miss out on essential items for learning as parents struggle to afford school essentials according to The Smith Family.
According to recent polling by The Smith Family, nine in ten parents across the country are worried they won’t be able to afford items such as digital devices, books and stationary, uniforms, and shoes, which their children will need for the year ahead.
The Smith Family’s chief executive Doug Taylor said the situation is becoming dire for many families who are struggling to afford the basics their children need for school, with the cost-of-living crisis compounding the financial pressures they were already facing.
“We all want our children to have everything they need to make the most of their education,” he said.
“Children who experience disadvantage are at risk of missing out on vital resources and support for their learning, whether that’s having the right uniform to feel a sense of belonging at school or the tools they need to complete their schoolwork.
“Devices such as laptops and reliable internet are absolutely part of these education essentials in today’s world, yet digital access and affordability is a major issue for students in low-income households.”
The survey found more than half of respondents think their children are likely to miss out on the digital devices needed for their schoolwork because they won’t be able to afford them. Additionally, one in five think their children will miss out on internet access for schoolwork.
To help meet the growing need identified The Smith Family has launched its Back to School Appeal and is calling on Australians to sponsor a child to help them thrive at school.
The charity needs to find 6,230 new sponsors for its education support program, which provides financial, emotional and practical support for students experiencing disadvantage, throughout their educational journey.
“The long-term, wrap-around support we provide helps children not only want to be at school but have the tools and resources they need to keep up with their peers, complete their education and go on to further study or work,” Mr Taylor said.
“We’ve also committed to ensuring every student on our sponsorship program has digital access over the next five years, having already distributed 6,500 Digital Inclusion packs to families we work with since the pandemic began.”
