Maddie is an 9-year-old student who has always been bright and eager to learn, but recently, she’s become more withdrawn and anxious. Her family’s financial struggles are weighing heavily on her, and the constant worry has made it hard for her to concentrate in class. Maddie’s teacher has noticed the change but is unable to access the resources and funding she needs through the usual school pathways quickly enough to meet Maddie’s urgent needs. That’s where Handshake Aid steps in. By collaborating with Maddie’s teacher and school leaders, Handshake Aid is able to pinpoint her specific needs and provide swift, tailored support—whether it’s emotional, educational, or social. With this immediate assistance, Maddie can get the care she needs and return to focusing on her learning and well-being.
Sophie, a 10-year-old student, has always been a quiet and thoughtful child. Lately, however, she has been struggling more than usual to keep up with her classmates. Due to undiagnosed learning difficulties, Sophie has found it increasingly challenging to stay on top of her schoolwork, causing her confidence to slip further. As the academic pressure builds, Sophie has begun to feel disconnected from her peers, leading to feelings of isolation and stress. In an attempt to cope with her overwhelming emotions, she has started cutting herself. Her teacher has noticed these signs and, while supportive, is unable to access the necessary resources quickly enough to provide the level of care Sophie needs. This is where Handshake Aid steps in. Through close collaboration with the school, Handshake Aid can quickly assess Sophie’s needs and provide targeted support, including mental health services and tailored learning resources. With the right help, Sophie can begin to heal emotionally, catch up with her peers, and regain her confidence in the classroom.
8-year-old Ahmed is a bright boy, but he faces challenges in school due to undiagnosed learning and behavioural difficulties. He often struggles to keep up with his peers, leading to frustration and sometimes disruptive behaviour. His family, new citizens to Australia and living on a low income, doesn't fully understand his struggles and is unaware of the support he needs. With Handshake Aid’s help, Ahmed’s school can quickly access the resources and assistance he needs, bridging the gap between home and school. This ensures that Ahmed receives the support he deserves, while helping his family understand his needs better, so he can thrive academically and emotionally.
David’s journey through education has been filled with challenges, compounded by the instability his family faces. As one of four children, his single mother works tirelessly to provide for them, but financial constraints make it difficult for her to meet all their needs. The constant moving between schools, driven by their financial struggles, disrupts David’s sense of stability and adds to the strain. Simple essentials, like school shoes, are often out of reach, leaving David feeling isolated and left behind. At Handshake Aid, we understand the unique struggles that David and his family face. We partner with schools to provide tailored support for children like David—offering not only basic supplies such as shoes and stationery, but also emotional support to ensure they feel secure and valued in their learning environment. By helping to meet these immediate needs, Handshake Aid enables David to stay focused on his education and helps his family build a more stable future. Through this collaborative support, we aim to break the cycle of hardship, giving David, and children like him, every chance of success.
