Education: A pathway for children to thrive

Zora is a bright and determined 12‑year‑old in Grade 6 at her primary school in Footscray. Her family works hard to support her education, but limited resources — largely spent on medication, rent and food — make it difficult to cover school-related costs.

Zora’s future was uncertain until members of the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria helped pave a pathway to a brighter tomorrow.

She loves playing soccer with her friends and spending time with her mum, dad and eight‑year‑old sister, Amina, who attends the same school.

The family arrived in Australia four years ago. Although they didn’t speak English at the time, they committed themselves to learning the language and becoming part of their new community.

Her father, Ahmed, secured employment and works long hours, while her mother, Lina, cares for the girls. Amina has a serious medical condition that requires ongoing and expensive medication.

Due to their visa conditions, the family cannot access Centrelink benefits. After covering medical costs, there is very little left for rent, food, education and other essentials. The financial pressure is immense.

Everything changed when the family connected with the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria. Their future began to look brighter.

Volunteers and members of the Footscray/Maidstone Conference provided the family with vital support, ensuring the girls had what they needed to thrive at school — including new uniforms, school supplies, food parcels and financial assistance.

These uniforms, textbooks, pens and pencils not only equipped Zora and Amina for their schoolwork but also helped them fit in, focus on learning and build new friendships.

For four years, the Footscray/Maidstone Conference has walked alongside Zora’s family, offering life‑changing support.

Zora herself has come a long way since her first day at primary school. She is now confident in English and flourishing academically and socially.

Her gratitude for the impact the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria has had on her life — and her family’s future — is deep and sincere. With her permission, we share her letter of thanks, which highlights the extraordinary difference that targeted, compassionate support can make in a child’s life.

Please read Zora’s letter of gratitude: 

Dear Sir or Madam,

I want to take a moment to say a big thank you to all of your Footscray volunteer team for their kindness and great support.

You have helped me so much with the cost of my school fees, school uniform, books, etc., and without this help, I am unable to fulfil my educational expenses.

I am so grateful; thank you. Because of your help, I am able to focus on my studies without worrying too much about education costs and can concentrate solely on my studies.

It means a lot to me that you care and have given your precious time to help make school easier for me.

Your kindness is making a huge difference in my life, and you make me happy, which I will never forget.

Actually, my youngest sister, who is 8 years old, has major medical needs, and the medical costs are very high.

My dad is working very hard to fulfil all living expenses, but we are falling behind with many things, especially school expenses because we are not receiving any Centrelink benefits as we are on a Bridging Visa A.

However, we are very lucky that you are helping me with all my educational expenses, and I received two awards in my academic year (Year 6).

Thank you for being such wonderful people and for helping me in so many ways. I appreciate each and every one of you more than words can say.

You have always stood by my side, helping me along the way. Thank you so much for your great support and help.

With lots of thanks and appreciation,
Zora

There are many more children like Zora who, with extra support from people like you, can thrive at school and follow their dreams to a brighter future.

You can support children like Zora with uniforms and school supplies by donating today.