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Terri is paying it forward

Learning for Life staff

01 November 2022

Terri is one of our Learning for Life coordinators at The Smith Family. She lives in regional Victoria.

Every day, she sees how poverty is blocking access to education for many families in her local community. She’s also been there herself.

Growing up, Terri participated in The Smith Family Learning for Life program in her hometown. She was paired with a sponsor through the program in high school. The sponsorship helped relieved Terri’s parents of some of their financial stress.

“For families experiencing financial disadvantage like mine, programs like Learning for Life help cover the cost of uniforms, camps, excursions, and digital equipment. It can make all the difference to what they can achieve at school,” says Terri.

With support from her sponsor, Terri successfully completed Year 12 and undertook a university degree.

“Now, as a Learning for Life coordinator, I can pay it forward and support other families in my community,” says Terri. “It’s amazing to see how empowering students to break down the barriers to education gives them a chance to succeed now and in their future.”

Education is one of the most powerful change agents for breaking the cycle of poverty. And our Learning for Life program encourages students to harness education and achieve all they are capable of.

A highlight of Terri’s year is seeing the excitement of these students who have reached the milestone of Year 12 graduation, thanks to the support of their sponsors.

I'm now able to pay it forward, and support other local families to achieve the same educational success I received through The Smith Family.

Terri, Learning for Life Coordinator

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