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All Kate has ever learnt is what it's like to be left out

…and with no money for things like excursions or even a new uniform, Kate's also being left behind.

Our school days provide the foundations for our future life. That's why it's so important that every child has equal access to a good education.

However, today there are more than 678,000 Australian children like Kate who are at risk of being left behind in their schooling simply because they come from financially disadvantaged families.

It's not that these children don't have the same potential. It's simply that they don't have the same opportunity.

You see, because Kate's parents can't afford to pay for the 'extras' that aren't included in 'free' education – things like the right books and equipment or uniforms and school excursions – Kate doesn't fit in and is often left out. You know how cruel children can be sometimes.

And that means she's also in danger of being left behind in her academic and social development.

Over the past 17 years, The Smith Family's Learning for Life has helped tens of thousands of disadvantaged Australian children to stay at school and build a brighter future.

And because a child with a good education has more opportunities later on, Learning for Life is also helping these children to break the cycle of poverty, helping to ensure that their present disadvantage doesn't continue into the next generation.

Your sponsorship can make a big difference to one child's life.

Become a child sponsor with The Smith Family's Learning for Life program:

• Donate online at www.smithfamily.com.au
• Call 1800 024 069 to make a donation over the phone