The children are seen as belonging to the whole community, with many adults and children involved in both their lives and childrearing . There are many benefits to be gained from such extended support. A role for schools Schools are an important sub-community that do not only provide academic education, but typically attempt to provide students with some emotional support, a link to the wider community and to deal with, or prevent, numerous social problems. Many schools currently teach courses on a number of social problems, such as substance abuse, child maltreatment, AIDS and suicide. The aim is general empowerment, but with a secondary focus on applying the generic skills to specific problems and situations.
Schools are also important venues for enhancing wider community connectedness.
In NSW the departments of School Education and Community Services and Health have worked together to fund a two-year pilot program to establish four interagency school community centres. The report indicated a high level of community support for the continuation of the project, and a strong level of community involvement. As part of the working community, the job environment provides another opportunity of learning how society operates, its rules and norms. Having a sustainable job ensures people are immersed in the rhythm of daily life, and into what is a usually, a supportive community group. It is one of the predominant cultural influences.