Success Stories

The Smith Family with Pearson Australia

FROM THE JUDGES:

Opt in for WPG and the transition to digital innovation tools during Covid-19 led to a 200%+ increase in WPG in 2020”

RESULTS + IMPACT

  • Significant increase in the numbers of team members donating through WPG
    • From FY20 to FY21, the total WPG donations grew by 272% and the number of employees sponsoring a student grew by 500%
  • Co-creation of new WPG content, including video interviews with Pearson team members which will be launched in the upcoming communications calendar
  • $ for $ matching of donations
  • Dedicated to supporting TSF, which aligns perfectly with Pearson’s values and mission
  • WPG is engrained in Pearson’s culture, with monthly messages delivered on TSF’s work

 OVERVIEW + HIGHLIGHTS

The Smith Family (TSF) is Australia’s leading children’s education charity helping young Australians in need to participate fully in their education. TSF is on the ground in 91 communities, working with 741 partner schools across Australia.

Pearson delivers products and services in nearly 200 countries, all working towards a common purpose – to help everyone achieve their potential through learning. They provide high quality digital content and learning experiences, as well as assessments and qualifications that help people build their skills and grow.

Pearsons and TSF developed and executed a joint plan to increase support.  Excellent communication tactics were implemented including a launch with a CEO address and directed communication, a TSF hosted webinar that included involvement of different internal stakeholders, such as an Executive team member from TSF presenting, as well as having student speakers on the flagship Learning for Life programme to talk about their story and demonstrate impact. and a follow up interview segment with a WPG participant to demonstrate impact. In addition to payroll donations, team member fundraising activities throughout the year included trivia nights and fitness challenges.

Pearson undertook two digital sessions to write to TSF’s Learning for Life students which resulted in ten volunteers writing 121 digital Christmas messages to accompany e-gift vouchers for families that were unable to receive a physical Toy and Book pack in December 2020 due to Covid-19; twenty volunteers drew thirty-two aspirational cards that were distributed to students to inspire them during remote learning.