Underprivileged student study packages

Study packages will be provided to underprivileged primary and secondary students, giving them a functional space to complete their homework and school assignments at home.

According to the Poverty in Australia report, one in six Australian children are living below the poverty line, with many not having access to some of life’s most basic necessities. State Schools’ Relief, a Victorian not for profit, established a partnership with Victorian furniture retailer Schoolfurn, to provide 150 packages.

When families are in financial distress, often it is the child’s education which suffers, with many not having access to any educational resources or support in the home.

In fact, according to a report published by the Good Shepherd on the effects of poverty on children’s learning, it was discovered that Australian children from low socioeconomic backgrounds are:

• 11 - 16% behind peers in reading (NAPLAN) 
• 2.5 years behind academically at age 15 (PISA) 
• 20% of 15-year-olds report low sense of belonging (PISA)
• 20% of 15 year-olds identified as having low participation (PISA) 
• 20% are less likely to finish year 12 (COAG)

These figures highlight the necessity of providing students whose families are experiencing financial distress, with any resources possible which can assist them in overcoming any barrier to education they might be facing.

A report from the Public Education Foundation has shown that a child who has fallen behind in their primary school years faced an almost impossible task to catch up, with research finding inequality grew worse as a child moved through the educational system.

Sue Karzis, CEO of State Schools Relief believes that by providing students with a specific space to study at home, it will reduce one of the barriers to education they may be facing and encourage their continued education outside of school hours.

"At State Schools’ Relief, we are delighted to be able to partner with Schoolfurn to offer 150 children and young people with the opportunity to apply for a study desk and chair package. For many students who don't have a place to study at home, this will enable them to have their own space dedicated to learning,” she said.