With the rising cost of living, the impact on households is growing and, especially at the beginning of each year, the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria is asked to assist with back to school costs, information, useful contacts and what resources are accessible.

Our conference members ensure that each student has the necessary educational items such as unforms, books, laptops and other essentials needed to assist them on their educational journey.

While we can provide some assistance with expenses in this area, we are always conscious of the child and the impact on them. Imagine not being able to join an excursion or have the correct uniforms, stationery or IT items needed.

Our conferences through our Social Justice representatives provide vital information to families struggling with back to school costs. Each year our Social Justice & Advocacy Committee collates and shares information regarding available resources and options to the people we assist. See link below:

2025 EDUCATIONAL COSTS

In addition to provide essential support for education costs like books, uniforms and laptops, ensuring that no child is left behind, we run free award-winning education programs across Victoria.

We serve young people from families experiencing social and economic disadvantage, families who speak English as an additional language and refugees. We also support students who want to learn more so anyone can attend one of our education programs. 

Currently our Education programs are offered in:

Dandenong          Heidelberg West          Noble Park

The wait lists are long and indicative of the pressing need for our services, and we are committed to providing the necessary training to ensure impactful contributions.

The top five positive outcomes we found from the students participating in the Education programs were:

They had fun  |  They learnt something new  |  They developed their reading ability 
 They developed confidence  |  They developed feelings of success