Community organisations subsidise education costs
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New Brotherhood of St Laurence research released today reveals that many children are only able to continue to participate in school because community organisations are picking up education costs that families cannot pay.
“The 49 community organisations that responded committed over $1 million in emergency relief to pay essential school costs, such as fees, books, camps and uniforms. Without this money kids from low income families simply miss out,” says Michael Horn, Brotherhood of St Laurence Senior Research Manager.
“This represents a small part of the contribution to education costs from community organisations as over 700 organisations provide emergency relief in Victoria.”
“This highlights a major flaw in our education system,” says Cath Smith, VCOSS CEO and Equity in Education Alliance spokesperson.
“Education must be free to enable everyone to participate equally. Every student who drops out or cannot fully participate compromises the nation’s future productivity. Yet essential costs continue to be shifted from the State to families and then onto the community sector when families cannot pay.”
School invoices – often amounting to several hundred dollars – are being sent to families this week. The Equity in Education Alliance, who commissioned this research, continue to hear of students missing out due to cost.
The Alliance calls on State and Federal Governments to improve educational outcomes and productivity by removing financial barriers to education.
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