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about the author |
Principle: Dignity and Rights of Workers
(Adults’ definition) Catholic social teaching views work as an expression of our dignity and our work in God’s ongoing creation. It proclaims that people have a right to do safe and productive work for fair wages.
(Children’s definition) All people work. There are many kinds of work, and people deserve to have good and safe work. By our work, we help ourselves, others, and show love to God.
Book recommendation: Beatrice’s Goat by Page McBrier, illustrated by Lori Lohstoeter
Meaningful and productive work is not an issue young children are acquainted with, but this book introduces the concept by showing a child’s work which enables her to live with dignity and hope. It is based on the true story of a family whose lives are greatly enhanced when they receive training and the gift of a goat from Heifer International. Beatrice is a child living in a village amid the rolling hills and banana groves of western Uganda. The oldest of six children, Beatrice must help by tending the fields and animals, as well as cooking and caring for siblings. What she longs for is an opportunity to go to school, but that seems impossible. Then the goat arrives. Readers will see the results of Beatrice’s new work: building a shed, planting a pasture, feeding and caring for the goat and its two kids, the improvement in the family’s nutrition with the goat’s milk, Beatrice becoming a young business woman when she sells extra milk, and the chance now to attend school. Because Beatrice is a real child in real circumstances, young children can see the importance of Beatrice’s work for her life and that of her family.
Discussion Starters: Try to convey the dignity of work. Use examples of adults the children know who enjoy their work, or your own. Then explain that some children must work more than others. Like Beatrice, they must help their families, or else they will not have enough to eat. Point out that Beatrice found joy in working with the goat. And because of her work, she could go to school. As them to think of work they might like to do now and as adults.
Big Book ideas: For this page, have the children draw scenes from the story of Beatrice or have them draw pictures of different kinds of work. Add the words, “Work must have dignity.” If the word ‘dignity’ is too difficult for the children to understand, use words such as honor, respect and importance.
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