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Hundreds of students going without the basics says The Smith Family

Francis CurroComment News

HUNDREDS of school students in the Gosnells area are beginning the school year without the basic school essentials, according to The Smith Family.

The Smith Family currently support 600 students through their Learning for Life sponsorship program in the Gosnells area.

Across the whole of WA, the organisation supports 3000 students through sponsorship; nationally,the figure is 33,000.

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Carolyn Kay, a single mother who lives in Gosnells said it was a battle to get the equipment last year to get the equipment for her eight-year-old Skye and 11-year-old Jaiden.

She said she had to get second hand items and ask for help.

“We couldn’t afford everything last year – the stuff they need is ridiculous,” she said.

“Things like prices of school bags, pencils and pens it all adds up.

“Then you still have the uniforms it can be like $20 a shirt.”

She said this year the Smith Family have had to help her out.

“You want your children to have a good education and career,” she said.

“There are a lot of people struggling out there.”

The Smith Family WA general manager Lorna Woodley said that when a child doesn’t have the basics, they could feel different and isolated.

“The consequences can be serious – becoming disengaged over time and at risk of dropping out of school early or altogether,” she said.

“And that’s a real concern because we know that education is a pathway out of poverty.”

The organisation is currently seeking 6000 new sponsors to sign up and support the education and disadvantaged children though it’s Learning for Life sponsorship program.

For more information about sponsoring a child call 1800 633 622 or visit thesmithfamily.com.au.