A primary school in Booysens functions as a community anchor in a neighbourhood where many families are navigating economic instability, employment uncertainty, and limited access to services. The school becomes more than an academic institution—it's often the most reliable institution families interact with consistently. Teachers notice when a child arrives hungry, staff coordinate with social workers when home situations deteriorate, and the school's holiday programme means some children don't go three weeks without a meal. For working parents juggling multiple jobs or unpredictable shifts, the school's timetable and after-care provision shape family logistics entirely. The school also functions as an informal information hub: parents learn about vaccination campaigns, grant applications, and local services through notices on the fence. When the school functions well, it elevates the entire neighbourhood—children's academic progress signals opportunity, parent confidence in institutions grows, and community cohesion strengthens. When schools fail in townships, the ripple effect is profound, as families lose faith in state provision and seek alternatives they can barely afford.