You can Help a Child Start School with Confidence Instead of Worry
Every year, thousands of children and young people across Ireland face barriers to education because of poverty. For some, it's the cost of school uniforms, transport, books and classroom essentials. For others, it's the financial pressure that puts third-level education out of reach.
With your support, SVP can help remove these barriers, ensuring every child has the opportunity to build a brighter future.
Education is one of the most powerful ways to break the cycle of poverty. That's why SVP supports children and young people at every stage of their educational journey, from their very first day at school through to third-level education. In 2025, SVP received almost 6,000 requests for education support, reflecting the growing need for assistance.
As students progress to college or vocational training, financial pressures can become a significant barrier. Education and Training Bursaries help remove that barrier, ensuring financial hardship does not prevent them from achieving their goals. In the 2025/26 academic year, more than 1,800 students received assistance through the SVP Education and Training Bursary.
Your support removes barriers to education so that children and young people can belong, learn and achieve in the classroom, and beyond.
While her daughters enjoy the summer holidays, Marie is already thinking about school uniforms, books, shoes and the growing list of back-to-school expenses. Like many parents across Ireland, she's doing everything she can to provide for her family. But rising living costs have made even the essentials feel out of reach. "No parent should have to choose between paying the bills and giving their child the education they deserve." Your kindness can help families like Marie’s send their children to school with confidence and hope.
As a primary school teacher, Sally knows exactly which children arrive hungry. She sees the children asking how long until lunch. She sees children trying to concentrate while worrying about what is happening at home. She knows that children who feel anxious, isolated or hungry often struggle to learn. As Sally says: Happy children learn. Your support helps children arrive at school with what they need to learn alongside their classmates and fulfil their potential.
Fifteen years ago, David was the child who needed help. His family was struggling financially, and his dream of studying engineering seemed impossible. Thanks to your generosity, David completed his education, built a successful career and returned years later to thank the SVP volunteers who had supported him. Today, he gives back so another child can experience the same opportunity. Your support today could become someone else's story tomorrow.
As an SVP Home Visitation Member, Hannah meets families facing impossible choices every day. She knows that behind every request for support is a parent doing everything they can to give their child a better future. She also knows what happens when donors step in to help. Children stay in school. Students complete college. Families build brighter futures. Your support gives families hope when they need it most.
