FOUR out of five Australians are concerned for the education of children moving into 2021, according to a survey from charity “The Smith Family”.

“The Smith Family”, which advocates for child education across Australia and supports 1800 students here in the ACT, released a survey examining how concerned people are about children heading back to school.

It comes after COVID-19 caused one of the most disruptive years of many families’ lives.

According to the survey, more than 80 per cent of respondents are concerned about children’s mental health and their access to laptops and other resources that are essential for schoolwork.

Fifty-six per cent of respondents indicated they had seen child poverty worsen as a result of covid.

Seventy per cent said they expected it to further worsen over the next 12 months.

“One of the worst things about the covid situation is that it exacerbated issues that were already affecting many disadvantaged families,” said Olga Srbovski, The Smith Family ACT regional programs manager.

“Things like poor mental health, lack of employment, lack of education, all of these became much worse for many people. That compounds when we further consider the disadvantages faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families who make up just over 20 per cent of our ‘learning for life’ program, whereby we financially assist children’s education.”

Eighty per cent of respondents also expressed concern for students falling behind because of difficulties attending classes online or in person.

“Trying to get back into the new school year has been very difficult for many children and families,” said Olga.

“When kids have had two terms at home going back to that daily routine can be difficult enough as it is, let alone without the resources available to vitally assist them with their learning.”

The Smith Family is now launching its “back to school” appeal in an effort to raise awareness and help disadvantaged families going into 2021.

“We’ve partnered with Officeworks to help with this appeal. If people wish to help they can donate through our website or at their local Officeworks store,” said Olga.

The Smith Family’s “learning for life” program also allows people to sponsor a child’s education for $52 a month. The sponsorship pays for essential resources including uniforms, books and other important supplies. The sponsorship also allows for a specialised worker to assist the student throughout their education journey.

In the ACT, The Smith Family is currently looking for 190 new sponsors.

“We know how much life outcomes improve when a student finishes Year 12,” said Olga.

“We want to get as many students to finish Year 12 as we possibly can.”

More information at The Smith Family website.