Families are struggling to keep up

The principal says inconsistent employment this year has left some households with significantly reduced income. 

“People who used to continuously have five days of work only have three,” she says. “That has made a real difference to people’s pay packets.” 

The principal says schools are increasingly stepping in to provide food, clothing and practical support to help children get through the school day. 

“How many children we support is a hard one to gauge because “We provide breakfast, fruit and snacks all day. and we’re part of the school lunches programme too,” she says. But it’s very rare that there is anything left at the end of the day.” 

Some food regularly disappears before the day is over. Staff suspect children may be taking extra food home for siblings or to eat later themselves, because there is nothing left at home.

“We make sure food is available because children can’t learn if they don’t eat,” she says. 

The school also regularly provides jackets, shoes and warm clothing for students arriving cold and wet after long journeys to school. 

“We have kids biking long distances to get to school, sometimes in the rain, arriving cold, wet and shivering,” she says. “Staff bring in gloves, hats and extra layers for these children.” 

She says KidsCan shoes and jackets have become especially important for many families doing their best to get by. 

“We see children wearing their school jackets and shoes on the weekend because they’re the warmest things they have,” she says. “In some cases, they’re all they have.” 

Fuel costs are also becoming a growing barrier for families living in rural communities, with some parents struggling to afford transport to school. 

“We live in a rural area, so if you want to go anywhere, you have to drive,” she says. “Some parents are even pulling children from school because they can’t afford the transport costs.” 

Despite the growing pressure, she says families are doing everything they can to hold things together. 

“I think families are trying really hard,” she says. “Without support like KidsCan, I think things would be a lot worse.”