Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs What I want for my children's education: Kelly's story
I just want them to have a memorable education… and if I can give them that $5 to go to the school disco because they don't want to miss out, that's what I want for them.
In our final conversation for 2024, we meet Kelly, a parent with two children on our Learning for Life program. Kelly reflects on the year that’s been, as cost-of-living pressures continue to take a heavy toll on families.
“I've just been given 90 days’ [notice] on a no-grounds eviction,” Kelly says. “Now I'm looking going, oh my God, I've got 90 days and I know I can only afford X amount of dollars. What am I going to do?
“Add Christmas on top of that, a Year 6 child who's going to high school next year with extra fees again and a child who needs therapy… [It’s] very stressful.”
Kelly talks about the range of supports she’s accessing to help her manage financially and ensure her children don’t miss out on vital learning opportunities. Reflecting on her own schooling years, she emphasises the importance of creating a memorable and positive school experience for her children.
"I just want them to have a memorable education,” says Kelly. “It's not just about reading and writing, but it's also about the mental health of the kids. And if I can give them that $5 to go to the school disco because they don't want to miss out, that's what I want for them."
Conversation highlights
Kelly talks to Doug about:
“I've just been given 90 days’ [notice] on a no-grounds eviction,” Kelly says. “Now I'm looking going, oh my God, I've got 90 days and I know I can only afford X amount of dollars. What am I going to do?
“Add Christmas on top of that, a Year 6 child who's going to high school next year with extra fees again and a child who needs therapy… [It’s] very stressful.”
Kelly talks about the range of supports she’s accessing to help her manage financially and ensure her children don’t miss out on vital learning opportunities. Reflecting on her own schooling years, she emphasises the importance of creating a memorable and positive school experience for her children.
"I just want them to have a memorable education,” says Kelly. “It's not just about reading and writing, but it's also about the mental health of the kids. And if I can give them that $5 to go to the school disco because they don't want to miss out, that's what I want for them."
Conversation highlights
Kelly talks to Doug about:
- [1:31] Her most memorable education moment
- [2:39] How cost-of-living pressures are impacting her family
- [5:11] Facing eviction and the stress of finding affordable housing
- [6:51] The support that’s been helpful from different community organisations
- [9:45] Her aspirations for her children’s education
- [12:26] Her message to other parents facing hardship
Watch the full conversation below or listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
