Brighter Futures, Autumn 2021

A brighter future

Alumni find success in their chosen careers

After Wid's father died, her mother, a new migrant caring for three children, struggled with school costs. Wid's principal referred her to us at 12, and we supported her through high school and university. She graduated in Law and Business in 2019 and is now a solicitor in Western Sydney.

Fay was in her second year of Dentistry when her father's disability left the family unable to help. Our support covered textbooks and equipment so she could focus on study. She graduated in 2019 and works as a general dentist. Both Wid and Fay have since donated to our Back to School campaign.

Without the financial support from A Start in Life, I would not be a respectful member of the community fighting for justice and assisting those in need.Wid, solicitor

Readathon

A new reading initiative

To help students re-engage at the start of 2021, we challenged them to read at least 10 books or 1,500 pages in term one, with book vouchers for everyone who made it. Anh Do was the most popular author, and manga was a favourite in the early high school years.

Jason has been trying to get Kai to read more and the Readathon really encouraged him to do it.A parent

Annual Prize Giving returns

Taking the prizes to the students

After a year's pause, Prize Giving returned in April, and this year we took it to the students. Our first regional event was an afternoon tea in Ballina with local Masonic Lodges, where Tilly was recognised for moving up two grades in Maths.

In Sydney, seven students received awards, including Harry for his jump in English and Maths, Sana for her painting and drawing, and Thomas for a distinction average in his Science and Medicine double degree.

Student achievements

Helping students overcome literacy barriers

A C-Pen that reads words aloud helped Bel lift her English from a C to a B. A Grammarly subscription helped Yas hold a B in English, and her teacher praised how she transfers language skills to new contexts. An Epic Books subscription got Jay reading at least three times a week, and he has moved up a reading level.