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The Smith Family is an iconic children’s charity which has been supporting Australian children since 1922.
Right now 1 in 7 children are living children living in Australian homes where there is no parent working.
Their disadvantage comes about not only through their families’ low income or joblessness, but also because of a lack of access to basic resources, such as books and computers in the home.
Many of these kids lack positive role models in their lives and have limited or no connection to supportive networks.
Because of their family’s circumstances, they won’t be able to access the same educational, health or life opportunities that others take for granted.
Without support, the disadvantage they experience today is likely to continue into adulthood – and on to the next generation.
Research has shown that supporting a child’s education is one of the most effective ways of breaking the cycle of disadvantage and ensuring they can access the same learning opportunities as their peers.
That’s why Arup has partnered with The Smith Family to help transform the lives of disadvantaged Australian children through education.
Through our partnership with The Smith Family, we’re helping to create better futures for disadvantaged children and their families in Cairns.
In 2009, with our support, The Smith Family opened a new office in Cairns allowing them to offer more mentoring and literacy programs that support children’s education through the Learning for Life program.
The Learning for Life program provides long-term support for disadvantaged children by providing financial assistance for their education essentials and access to mentoring and vital life skills programs.
The support connects students and their families with their local community so they can access further learning opportunities.
The Learning for Life program not only supports disadvantaged children but also their families who provide the crucial nurturing relationships and supportive learning environments that children need.
Having a cohesive society can only be achieved in partnership with other like-minded individuals and organisations. It’s the cornerstone of much of what we do at Arup – the ability to care, consider and have respect for others.
Each year, just before Christmas, Arup staff volunteer to help with The Smith Family’s Toy and Book appeal. Arup’s Community Engagement Committee fund 50 per cent of staff time to [...]
Read more ›Arup in Cairns was invited by The Smith Family Learning for Life Centre to attend a worker to student event on Thursday 4th of September at Cairns West State School. [...]
Read more ›Remember the days of the traditional one week work experience placements? The Smith Family is turning this idea on its head in an attempt to provide a more intensive and [...]
Read more ›Fifteen volunteers from Adelaide and Melbourne offices bravely put up their hands to participate in Shave Day 2012– losing their hair to raise money for the Smith Family-Learning for Life [...]
Read more ›Children’s charity The Smith Family is celebrating its first anniversary in Cairns, having opened its Learning for Life Centre at Balaclava State School on 7th October 2010. The Smith Family [...]
Read more ›The Smith Family launched its first office in Cairns on September 7, 2010, at an event hosted by Cairns Regional Council Mayor ,Val Schier. Damian Foley, The Smith Family’s Queensland [...]
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