LEARNING LINKS CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF EMPOWERING CHILDREN TO LEARN AND THRIVE
Learning Links is a not-for-profit, charitable organisation dedicated to empowering children with learning difficulties and disabilities to reach their full potential. Founded in 1972 by a group of parents concerned about the lack of education and support services to meet their children’s needs, Learning Links now operates six Learning Centres across Sydney, with outreach and professional development in schools and across communities in NSW, Australia and beyond.
Fifty years on, the organisation may look a little different to how it was in 1972, but the mission of providing children with skills, services and family support that will enable them to realise their potential has never changed.
Archive photo of the Learning Links Preschool from 1989
Learning Links is committed to reaching families, schools and communities where children may face disadvantage and struggle to access the intervention they need to support their learning. Over the last year, through the generous support of NSW club partners and ClubGRANTS, Learning Links was able to support over 3,000 children in over 50 local communities through education support, psychology, speech therapy program and its Disadvantaged Kids Fund – which gives families support that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to access. Over 350 teachers were also provided with teacher professional learning to empower them to better support students.
“From the start, Learning Links has provided a supportive, accepting and understanding community for children, parents and families. This community has grown significantly over our history, but the foundations have stayed the same, with many parents still saying now that Learning Links has given them somewhere to turn when they didn’t know where else to go,” says Birgitte Maibom, Learning Links CEO.
“We are so proud of the 50 years of support we have provided for families in need, but with up to 15% of children experiencing difficulties with their learning, there is still a big job ahead of us. Children with learning difficulties face challenges that can lead to a future of disadvantage. We will continue to offer high-quality, evidence-based services and advocate on their behalf, to ensure they have the opportunities that they deserve. We thank all our club partners for supporting us in our mission.”
Learning Links CEO, Birgitte Maibom is joined by the organisation’s Patron, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales and Sutherland Shire local artist and Gadigal woman Aunty Deanna Schreiber at their 50th Anniversary event in November.
To find out more about the work Learning Links does for children, their families and professionals please visit their website (www.learninglinks.org.au).
If you would like to support Learning Links and the life-changing work they do in the community, you can donate through here: www.learninglinks.org.au/donate
