Student Story · Creativity · 2026
Ella Wants to Be an Artist: How Education Essentials and Interests Funding Are Rebuilding a Year 3 Student's Confidence
This Christmas, Ella wants to be in an art class.
Ella is nine, and her mother describes her as a worker: a child who tries hard even when it costs her, and who wants to get things right.
The past couple of years have not made that easy. Her mother has been seriously ill, and money ran out before Ella's school essentials could be covered.
When Illness at Home Affects Confidence at School
Over the following year, her mother watched Ella's confidence thin. Ella started to doubt she was capable.
“She's a hardworking student,” her mother says.
“She just needed to feel supported. To feel like she could do it.”
Ella's Mum, Parent
Education Essentials for Uniforms, Stationery and Internet Costs
Through A Start in Life's Education Essentials program, the family receives $1,200 across the school year for uniforms, stationery and the internet connection Ella needs for homework. The first payment arrives in January, when back-to-school costs are at their highest.
Interests Funding Brings an Art Class Back Within Reach
The program also sets money aside for each student to follow something they love. For Ella, that is art. A class that had been sitting at the bottom of the family's list has moved back within reach.
Starting 2027 Ready to Learn
Her mother is still unwell, but Ella will start 2027 with her uniform sorted, her basics covered and a place in the art class she dreamed of.
For Ella's mother, the support means one less worry about her daughter's future.
Help More Students Like Ella Feel Supported in School
Education Hope Heroes give $25, $50 or $100 a month into one shared fund. Every time the fund reaches $1,200, another student starts the year with the essentials covered, so their family can worry less and they can focus on learning.
All donations of $2 and over are tax deductible.
Student names have been changed to protect their family's privacy.
