Anton conveyed the sobering fact that "One in seven Australian children and young people are growing up in poverty, where even the bare necessities are hard to come by. In a family where there is no regular income, money goes on food, rent and bills. Finding money for a school uniform, proper shoes, textbooks or the next school excursion is often impossible.
Through no fault of their own, these disadvantaged children are struggling at school because they don’t have what they need to fit in, catch up or keep up with their peers.
From the moment they are born, there’s an increased risk of these children falling through the cracks. Growing up in a jobless family where basic necessities are hard to come by, means disadvantaged children miss out on early learning experiences and opportunities that other children receive. Then, when they start school they’re already behind.
Without the learning skills and support they need, they struggle to keep up. In fact, by the time they are 15, they’ll be almost 3 years behind other children in their reading ability. As the gap between them and their classmates widens their confidence erodes, their self-esteem crumbles, leaving them feeling overwhelmed, lonely and isolated.
With the assistance of Rotary Club of Melbourne, and the volunteers of "Around the Bay", the Smith Family is able to provide support and ongoing opportunities to these youngsters.
