NRCF believes that education is a fundamental right and that a quality education should be accessible, irrespective of your personal circumstances, or where you live. However, many families in rural, regional and remote Australia struggle to provide the basics their children need at the start of the new school year.

The Back to School Program is targeted at rural and remote students who are in need of financial support as they return to the school year. In the Northern Rivers, the Program specficially supports ‘Grandcarers’ – grandparents who are primary carers of school aged children, by offering redeemable vouchers valued at $50.00 for items such as books, stationary, school bags, shoes and clothing.

Last month, with the help of disability & aged services provider DAISI, NRCF delivered $37,700 in Back to School vouchers to over 550 grandcarers across 112 schools in the region. This program is in dire need of support. We have a shortfall for this program and need to raise $7,000 this year to cover the costs of the vouchers and distributing them. CLICK HERE TO HELP.

I have found that the biggest impact for the students that have received vouchers from you over the past three years is that of student wellbeing. For some children it is very important that they come to school with a pencil case of their own. Ultimately by improving student wellbeing you  are improving attendance at school and retention which improves student learning. School Principal

However, the impact of the vouchers is far more than just monetary: the items that these vouchers can be redeemed for reduce stigma for children living in economic disadvantage.

They can significantly improve the confidence, self-esteem and educational engagement of the students, as well as offer families the opportunity to access or gain information on other community services available through increased community coordination.

It not only provided them with the material goods but improved their self-esteem and self-confidence as they were no longer ‘different’ to other students.   Welfare Coordinator

NRCF is a proud supporter of  the  Back to School Program in partnership with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR). The first Back to School Program in the Northern Rivers funded by NRCF and  FRRR began in 2006. Since then NRCF and FRRR have distributed $446,850 worth of redeemable vouchers to disadvantaged children  in  the region.

This year there has again been an overwhelming response to the Program, with requests for over 770 vouchers. Please consider making a donation to the NRCF so that we can continue this unique program for all disadvantaged children in our region. Donate Now.