This was the daily reality for Chloe as she struggled to fit in with her peers at school.

Chloe is one of 300 children from low-income families in Orange who are part of The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program.

The program offers financial scholarships, learning programs and case workers to help make her school life a little easier.

Chloe has been in the care of her great-grandparents Judith and Robert Gant for the last four years and Mrs Gant said The Smith Family scholarship had made a huge difference.

“It helps to make sure she has everything,” Mrs Gant said.

She said the program helped them provide things they could not afford.

“It is very helpful, the last [school] excursion was $171 for one night away,” Mrs Gant said.

“It makes a big difference to Chloe.”

Mrs Gant said she used the two financial scholarships received each year to purchase Chloe’s uniform, buy school supplies and pay for her excursions.

The well-mannered year 4 student said she loved being part of the program, especially the literacy activities.

“I read and play games ... I love chapter books,” she said.

Orange Learning for Life worker Sarah Donoghue said fitting in at school could be tough at the best of times let alone not being able to afford the essentials.

“It helps them with reality and get into a level peg with kids in their class,” she said.

The Smith Family NSW/ACT regional manager Theresa Collignon said Learning for Life helped to provide a great education for those that need it most.

“When you’re a socially or financially disadvantaged child it’s hard to feel part of the community,” she said.

“If you’re the only kid that doesn’t go on the excursion you’re just not part of the group.

“You miss out on the learning opportunity and it’s embarrassing.”

Ms Collignon said engaging in education helped to improve chances for a better life.

Learning for Life is about long-term educational support and assists children in kindergarten through to and including their tertiary education.