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LEARNING FOR LIFE WORKERS ARE COOL PEOPLE!
Our LFLW is Robyn Seagar and she is based in Goulburn and does a fabulous job coordinating approximately 300 LFL students in our local areas. Robyn is a very friendly and approachable woman who is only to happy to be contacted by your Club Delegate about how your VIEW Club can help or what items her students may need. Why not invite Robyn to your meeting, ask her what her job entails and perhaps present her with a stash of library bags, books or school stationery. Knitted items such as blankets, beanies, jumpers and baby clothing (limited number) would also be gratefully appreciated as we approach the coming chilly winter months. Remember to keep a record of any donated goods on the VIEW Donations in Kind Form. WHY LEARNING FOR LIFE IS VITAL There are about 717,000 children living in jobless households in Australia.* Many of the children from these families start school already behind and may never catch up, never realise their potential. Financial disadvantage restricts families' ability to support their children's education. Without the money for, books, uniforms and other extras, many disadvantaged students – through no fault of their own – do not have the same access to educational opportunities as others. This can leave them feeling left out and isolated, often with a negative attitude towards education. As a result, financially disadvantaged young people are more likely to leave school early and less likely to go on to further study or training. This can reduce their employment opportunities and put them at risk of becoming disadvantaged adults. AIMS OF LEARNING FOR LIFE Learning for Life is an education support program that works in two ways; by providing financial assistance to help parents and carers with the education needs of the child, and through personal support delivered through qualified Learning for Life Workers. Learning for Life Workers provide advice, access to other The Smith Family programs such as literacy and technological support and are a critical part of the program’s success. LEARNING FOR LIFE WORKERS Learning for Life Workers are located in communities where Learning for Life operates. There are more than 133 The Smith Family Learning for Life Workers currently working in 84 locations across Australia. They are trained professionals with backgrounds in education, social work or psychology. Learning for Life Workers work closely with the students and their families and link them to support programs offered by The Smith Family and other local agencies or community groups. Learning for Life Workers try to build community capacity by collaborating with local groups and organisations to ensure that the services delivered are relevant and meet the needs of the individual community. Communities benefit from Learning for Life Learning for Life is about creating opportunities and investing in future generations. For every child on this program who succeeds there will be many more who will benefit. The program facilitates the transfer of resources from a section of our society that has a current capacity to give to those who have a current need of support. Some of the community benefits of the Learning for Life program include: • Injection of funds into disadvantaged communities • Increased access to educational support • Improved self-esteem among youth and families • Improved local networks between home, school and other services • Ultimately, that the ‘cycle of disadvantage’ may be broken for future generations |
