In June 2019, Foundation Barossa launched our Dollar a Day Appeal. Thanks to generous community support, we raised over $5,000 for the 2020 Back to School Program.

The Back to School initiative is part of the Rural Education Australia Program. Foundation Barossa has partnered with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) since 2008 to provide these vouchers.

The Back to School program is a practical, positive program to make a difference to the lives of children. It provides $50 gift vouchers to students in need. They can use these $50 gift vouchers for school uniforms, shoes, school bags and stationery items. The vouchers are more than a $50 gift. This program is about social inclusion and resilience, building confidence and morale in disadvantaged children.

This year we have been able to contribute an unprecedented $27,000 to this initiative. This is thanks to the support from FRRR, the generosity of the Barossa community and a $2,000 grant from Casella Family Brands. With this, we can provide 560 vouchers to Barossa families that need them most.
Anne Barclay, Assistant Principal Nuriootpa High School said “‘For many families, the start of the school year is difficult. Uniforms and shoes, laptops, calculators and stationary all add up. The Nuriootpa High School Wellbeing team are grateful for the support of Foundation Barossa vouchers. They allow us to support disadvantaged students to be just like everyone else.’

With a $5,000 grant from the Wyatt Foundation, we’re supporting independent learners aged 15 to 23 years at Nuriootpa High and Birdwood High School. The circumstances of the students vary but all are disengaged from mainstream learning.
“The funding will reach a range of students from low socio-economic backgrounds and those who are experiencing hardship. These include students who are homeless, from low-income families, students who live independently and those that are young parents,” said Sarah Afshin Pour from Nuriootpa High’s Flexible Learning Centre.
We have provided grants to help the students with travel, child care and materials so they can complete their studies. There is a shortage of regional transport and immediate financial support in the Barossa. These grants will help the students travel to health and education facilities and employment opportunities.
Without this extra support, it’s difficult for a student to focus on their own educational and personal goals.

Stacy is a recipient of the Stay at School grant at Nuriootpa Flexible Learning Centre. She welcomed the support which will allow her to prioritise her living expenses. This includes transport and household items to support her young family while she completes Year 12.