Student Story · Wellbeing · 2026
Riley's Change for the Better: How Help with School Fees and Camp Costs Turned His Year Around
A Principal's Award, a place in the soccer team, and a mum who says he is a different kid.
Riley is ten years old, in Year 5, and until this year he was the class clown.
He had good reason to look for the laugh. Riley has autism and ADHD, and as his mum puts it: “He's got some barriers straight up... it's a bit harder for him to regulate and stay focused.”
When School Became Something to Endure
Riley is an identical twin, so everything at home comes with “a lot of competitiveness”. His dad “just sort of disappeared for a while”, and family life was complicated. School had become something Riley endured, and his report card began to reflect it, which hurt him.
“He used to be miserable at school,” his mum told us. “His results reflected the class clown and the funny guy, and he was really upset by his results.”
Financial Help with School Fees and Camp Costs
What changed was partly a decision Riley made, and partly the removal of the things quietly standing in his way. A payment from A Start in Life covered his place at the Year 5 camp in Canberra, including the sleeping bag and gear he did not have. The same payment cleared the school fees his mum had fallen behind on, dance class included.
“Having to pay for two is a lot of money... it helped relieve a bit of pressure off me, which probably relieves some stress at home as well,” his mum said. “And it also cleared what I was behind on with some school fees... so we're all clear for school.”
“I want to see my sons be happy and thrive, not be miserable and hate school... it's a life lesson for him too. If you apply yourself to anything, you can achieve.”
Riley's Mum, Parent
A Soccer Team, a Solo Dance and a Principal's Award
Riley's year has looked different since then. He made the school soccer team, a goal he had set himself with his Student Assistance Coordinator at an earlier check-in, and the rugby league team for Gala Day.
He also performed an Aboriginal dance, solo, in front of the whole school for NAIDOC Week. He had not told his mum he had learned it.
Riley has since received his Principal's Award, earned through fifteen merit awards, one at a time.
Staying Calm on the Soccer Field
Perhaps the clearest sign came on the soccer field, on the morning of a recent mentorship call with our team. When another child hit him in the ear, Riley stayed calm and did not retaliate.
“The old Riley would have just started swinging,” his mum said. “The school is very, very proud of him.”
Her summary is shorter still. “He's just a happier, happier guy... he's just a new kid now.”
Become an Education Hope Hero
For Riley, one payment cleared what was standing between him and a full school year. Education Hope Heroes give $25, $50 or $100 a month into one shared fund, so we can say yes to more students like him, from first term to last.
All donations of $2 and over are tax deductible.
Student names have been changed to protect their family's privacy.
