THE CURRENT cost of living crisis has put great strain on families, with a recent survey revealing 60% of families have struggled to afford essential school items.
The latest annual Pulse Survey released by national children’s education charity The Smith Family, found the majority attributed this to the rising cost of living and increased school expenses.
More than one in six of the 2454 survey respondents said family financial pressures had also made the school year difficult for their child.
The Smith Family CEO Doug Taylor said it was concerning to see the impact financial difficulties had on a child’s education.
“This is the third Christmas in a row the cost-of-living crisis has weighed on families already experiencing disadvantage,” Mr Taylor said.
“Unfortunately, many children will be looking back on their school year having tried their very best, but the challenges faced by their families have likely affected their ability to achieve their full potential this year.
“Today in Australia, one in six children are growing up in poverty, limiting their ability to make the most of their education.”
He said everyone was feeling the effects of the cost-of-living crisis, but it was not being felt equally.
“The families we support are continually having to make hard decisions between paying for essentials like rent and groceries, and school essentials like uniforms and laptops,” hr said.
“The latter costs can’t be prioritised when more essential needs must be met, and children are missing out as a consequence.”
The Smith Family is launching its 2024 Christmas Appeal, hoping to raise $4.91 million to provide more children in need with its tailored out-of-school learning and mentoring programs.
“Our evidence-based education programs are proven to help children catch up and keep up with their learning,” Mr Taylor said.
“Our student2student reading program helped 96% of participants to improve their reading this year.
“With the right support at the right time, we hope that all students can stay motivated and engaged at school and go on to complete Year 12.”
Funds raised through The Smith Family’s annual Christmas Appeal will help the charity to expand its reach for an additional 11,705 young people experiencing disadvantage.
