United Way Australia Helping Children Reach their potential
Submitted by Geoff, 6 Oct 2011
The Issue:
Good literacy, numeracy and social skills are essential for children to be in the best position to start school. Without them, they can experience difficulties that have life-long impacts.
Impacts like:
not completing school, leading to unemployment or fewer job opportunities
developing behavioural problems or mental health issues, resulting in social integration difficulties
increased likelihood of becoming a teenage parent or engaging in criminal activity
The factors behind why children do not reach their potential in life, often occur through no fault or control of their own e.g. belonging to a family that is culturally or linguistically diverse, coping with financial hardship or living in an area with limited resources and support.
The Reality:
Studies show that 1 in 4 Australian children are not adequately prepared to start school, with socially and economically disadvantaged children under 5 among the most vulnerable.
Of children in care, 92% are below the average reading level at the age of 7 and 75% fail to finish school.
These realities are why United Way Australia (UWA) has developed a proven and unique approach to Australia’s education issues called Community Impact. By building and mobilising coalitions (made up of corporate partners, government bodies, communities, institutions, parents and individuals) with common goals, UWA can achieve systemic, high impact and long lasting change for local communities.
UWA supports many vital community-based programs to give parents and guardians the knowledge, support and confidence to provide their children with the care and preparation they need.