Fiona Carroll, a family partnership coordinator, said the Smith Family’s Learning for Life program recognises that disadvantaged children need extra support to stay at school and go on to further studies or a job.

“It’s about the financial assistance, so to help families buy uniforms, books and pay for excursions,” she said. 

“We mentor the students and there is access to educational programs.” 

Fiona said they have seven partner schools in the Wagga area and developed a relationship with the Wagga Multicultural Council. 

“With one of our partners, we have a lot of multicultural students,” she said. 

“We have been able to have information sessions at the MCWW and then we have one on one sessions with the families to explain what their commitment is.”

Rashed Shani Baqi is a volunteer at Mount Austin school, working with new arrivals in the community to ensure they have a smooth transition and helps explain how the program works.

“I love working with kids,” he said. “There are many kids who speak Kurdish-Kurmanji and who are refugees and are new.”

Mr Shani Baqi said the students love to learn and it’s beautiful to see the children who have been here for a couple of years helping those are new to Wagga. 

“Where we come from, the Middle East, education is not as important as it is to the people here,” he said. 

“Education is important for the future.

“The kids are excited to learn and where we come from, everyone loves soccer so lunchtime every one – boys and girls – they all run to the field.” 

Mr Shani Baqi said it’s a pleasure to help families sign up to the program and get what they need. 

Fiona said most families are blown away by what the program offers.

“Children are sponsored by individuals,” she said. “We are always looking for more sponsors.” 

Fiona said requirements for the program include families to have a healthcare card and the student to have a high attendance rate. 

For more information go to www.thesmithfamily.com.au/sponsor-a-child. 

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