The disadvantaged families of more than 500 Brimbank students are battling to pay thousands of dollars of back-to-school costs.
For low-income parents, the lead-up to the late-January return is often marred by the struggle to afford basic schooling necessities.
The Smith Family and its supporters are hoping to ease the burden and are presently looking after 528 Brimbank students as part of the
Learning for Life program, with a particular focus on St Albans.
The program offers three support components: financial support for parents to buy school uniforms, books and resources; access to a
Learning for Life program co-ordinator; and learning support programs such as mentoring and tutoring.
Derrimut father of two Brett Russell said he had already spent “in the thousands” getting his six-year-old son ready for prep.
“You certainly have to budget for it,” Mr Russell said.
“There’s a premium price for school shoes alone and kids go through school shoes pretty quickly. And they’re growing every year so last year’s uniform can be rendered useless.”
Mr Russell said he knew many young families who were struggling with the costs.
“Friends of ours with three kids are certainly struggling and making a lot of budgeting manoeuvres, which we luckily haven’t had to do,” he said. “Parents are finding it pretty tough.”
Smith Family general manager Anton Leschen estimated the return to school could cost parents more than $2000 a child, meaning low-income families struggled even before extra costs such as excursions, camps and extracurricular activities were imposed.
“The cost of simply attending the local public school is getting beyond many disadvantaged families,” Mr Leschen said.
“Through no fault of their own, kids will start school with ill-fitting or incomplete uniforms or a lack of essential books and stationery.
“They’ll miss out on excursions, sporting and artistic pursuits simply because of a lack of finances and this inability to take part fully can adversely affect their learning.”
Mr Leschen is calling on Brimbank residents to sponsor an Australian child in need
“We have thousands of generous supporters who sponsor a child and receive an incredible amount of personal satisfaction as a result,” he said. “On the cusp of the new school year – when many disadvantaged families turn their thoughts towards buying their child’s new uniform, shoes and stationery – we’re asking people to consider sponsoring an Australian child who is at risk of going without.”
To sponsor a student, contact 1800 024 069 or www.thesmithfamily.com.au
