The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the significant impact that education gaps and lack of access to peers are having on the current generation of Australian children.
However, there is a growing cohort of children who miss school as a result of chronic physical or mental health disorders that are still being overlooked.
Up to 30% or ~1,200,000 school students across Australia may be facing an illness serious enough to affect their education and attendance, with 14% having a mental disorder. Over 70,000 students face chronic school absence because of a physical illness alone. Futures are at stake.
"We are proud to support the MissingSchool team and their important work in social and mental wellbeing. The mission of keeping seriously sick kids connected to their classmates and continuing their education, despite prolonged absence from school, is so important. MissingSchool works tirelessly to raise awareness of the issue and support the families of sick children and their teachers, ensuring learning continues through very difficult times."
"TPG Telecom Foundation is incredibly proud to support the important work of MissingSchool in addressing the educational and social isolation faced by children who miss school because of serious illness.
As a leading Australian telco, keeping people connected is at the heart of everything we do, and our employees and Foundation Board were deeply moved by the bravery and tenacity of MissingSchool in fighting to keep seriously sick kids connected to their school community.
We are proud to be the catalytic funder of the Seen&Heard initiative, an innovative and scalable solution which builds the capability of teachers, schools and the government to advocate and drive necessary, meaningful change for young people and their families.”
"MissingSchool was the very first recipient of St.George Foundation’s Inspire Grant. The Grant was created with a simple purpose – to change the course of children’s lives through access to education. MissingSchool’s Telepresence Robot Pilot Program demonstrated how innovative technology can connect seriously ill students with their classroom and peers. We're proud to have supported MissingSchool grow the Telepresence Robot Program to a national scale."
Grab our guide to help you start fundraising in your school community to support sick kids in tough times who miss their learning, friends, and fun.
Schools, hospital schools, and education systems around Australia are working with MissingSchool to connect students with serious illness with their learning, teachers, and peers when they miss school.
To kickstart a campaign in your school, workplace or community, sign up as a fundraiser.
Give up your presents and host a birthday party, anniversary party or another special occasion that makes a difference to sick kids.
Host a pop-up concert featuring local performers/comedians at your workplace, school or community group.
Create a challenge like a 500 km bike ride, a 100 km walk and inspire your friends to join you to raise funds.
Join a community fun run or event and ask your friends and community to sponsor you.
Host a free dress day at your school and theme it to honour kids who are missing school.
Host an on or offline auction and invite businesses to donate prizes.
If you own a business, host a day where a percentage of your sales is donated to MissingSchool.
We are committed to affirming the identity of the young people we work for and stand in proud solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community.
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