Page 11 - View-Matters-November-2023
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Digital Springwood VIEW Club (NSW) is studies. Through the Learning for
one club whose members decided
Life program and Digital Learning
donating to this program was a Essentials program, Darci and her
great way to make a difference. seven siblings have all the tools and
Learning “Our club decided to give to the support they need to succeed.
Digital Learning Essentials program Darci is now in her first year at the
Essentials after realising and hearing how University of Newcastle, studying a
far behind students experiencing
Bachelor of Social Sciences.
disadvantage became during
“The Learning for Life program
COVID-19 and home schooling
program without Wi-Fi, laptops or anything helped me get laptops and
in the household allowing them to textbooks – things I wouldn’t have
been able to afford. It’s taken the
keep up with their learning,” says
pressure off not having to use the
Toni, President of Springwood
VIEW donations are helping to money I need to live on,” she says.
VIEW Club.
ensure all students have the digital
“Sponsorship has been absolutely
devices and technology they need “Some students were just using a
to keep up and thrive at school. mobile phone or one device when critical for my education; without it I
don’t think I’d be where I am.”
there were multiple children trying
A laptop, reliable internet access
to access schoolwork. Our club Contact view@thesmithfamily.com.
and digital skills are now a vital part
wants all children to have access to au if your club would like to donate
of all student’s education. Sadly
technology.” to Digital Learning Essentials.
however, cost-of-living pressures
mean families experiencing Toni says members realised the
disadvantage can’t afford the importance of digital literacy
digital devices their children need during the pandemic when New club!
to make the most of their education. communicating online became so
important for keeping in touch with As we were putting this
To help families struggling with
each other. edition together, the newest
the cost of technology, The Smith
VIEW Club was being
Family has launched a new “During the lockdowns and over
program to provide students two years of not being able to see inaugurated in Whittlesea,
in need with a laptop, internet relatives, members realised that we Victoria. Congratulations to
access, digital skills and technical needed to participate in the digital the Victorian Development
support. Known as Digital Learning world. It is the way of learning and team, led by Lyn Geer,
Jennie Wynd, Carolyn
Essentials, the program aims to the world we live in.”
ensure all students have technology Taylor, Pam Shaw and Edna
Darci (19) has been sponsored by Burwash, and President of
skills and feel confident navigating
The Smith Family since she was Whittlesea VIEW Club Ann
the online world.
11 years old. She says being part Balharrie on a wonderful
Many VIEW clubs are now choosing of the Learning for Life program inaugural. Whittlesea
to send donations to the Digital helped her get through high school, is located northwest of
Learning Essentials program, with changing the course of her life and Melbourne’s CBD and has
almost $100,000 received from VIEW giving her the opportunity to follow 29 founding members.
towards this program already! her dream to pursue university
NOVEMBER 2023 11
