More than half of families supported by The Smith Family struggle to afford school essentials
More than half of families supported by The Smith Family struggle to afford school supplies.
More than half of Australian families supported by The Smith Family charity struggle to pay for what their children need at school. A new survey reveals this struggle is real.
Forty-eight per cent report that rising costs of groceries, rent and petrol have made things worse. One quarter say their children need more things or more expensive items this year.
Chief executive Doug Taylor said families are stretched by rent, food, bills and transport. This makes uniforms, shoes, books, stationery, excursions and digital devices increasingly hard to afford.
Education can lift children out of disadvantage, but only if families can afford the basics. The Smith Family is raising five million dollars through its Christmas appeal to support 11,904 children with educational help.
- 53%
- Families struggling
- 48%
- Cost pressure factor
- 5 million dollars
- Appeal target
- 11,904
- Children to support
Why it mattersWhen families cannot afford school supplies, children miss learning opportunities and disadvantage deepens, affecting their long-term prospects.
AustraliaThis directly affects Australian families struggling with cost of living, particularly those with primary school-age children.
