Local child poverty: why protecting the dignity of every child is so important
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We recently shared our new research which showed staggering levels of child poverty in schools in Greater Manchester and Lancashire.
Here, our formation coordinator, Kath, tells us more about the shocking information uncovered in the research, and why its so important we all protect the dignity of each and every child…
Kath, what’s your role at Caritas?
I am the formation coodinator, overseeing our work in forming and animating our parishes, schools and other groups in living out their social action and social justice mission.
How do you work with schools locally?
There are many different ways our charity engages with our wonderful schools but my work with them at the moment is mainly through delivering our young person’s Caritas Ambassador programme in our primary and high schools. I have the privilege of providing training and formation for new teams of young social activists who will be leading the way in their school’s charitable activities.
Your work includes supporting staff in schools and people across our parishes when it comes to Catholic Social Teaching. For those who don’t know, what is Catholic Social Teaching?
It is special teaching from the Church organised into key themes and principles and rooted in the Gospel, which helps us to navigate our way through the challenges of life we are presented with today. It is like looking at the world through a Catholic lens and requires us to respond and take appropriate action. Although it is called Catholic Social Teaching, it is for all people, not just Catholics.
What struck you most about the findings of the new research we carried out with local Catholic schools?
The extent of child poverty across our diocese is truly shocking. The impact is huge, especially on the life chances of the children and young people of course but also on our schools which in so many cases are not financed or equipped to meet the ever-increasing pastoral demand arising. The title of the report: “If not us, then who?” tells us all we need to know about how school staff will never abandon their children to the effects of poverty but there is also a cry for help in there too.
Why is the dignity of children so important?
For children to be able to understand and treat others with dignity, they need to experience it themselves first hand. What we learn as children stays with us for life.
Our Catholic Faith teaches us that our human dignity is a result of each and every one of us being made in the image and likeness of God, meaning that each one of us is sacred and unique. All children deserve to grow up feeling the security of their sacredness and uniqueness and in turn, this helps them to apply The Golden Rule throughout their own life and treat others as would wish to be treated. The report helps us to understand just how damaging it is when children and adults are not treated with equal dignity.
How can people help uphold the dignity of young people in their community?
By treating them with respect. Giving them space to speak and share. Truly listening to understand plays a big part of this, not just second guessing what they are feeling and what they need. Involving young people as equals when making plans. Understanding that one size doesn’t fit all and making sure there is opportunity for everyone to contribute. Helping them to see how they can participate in society. The gift of time – being a supportive, listening presence to accompany young people without trying to force it. All these things help I think.
How do schools do this in their daily life – and how do we help them too?
Our schools lead by example, both formally in class but also informally at break and lunch time for example when children learn how to get along with others, even and perhaps especially when they might not agree with them! The report gives an insight to just how far our schools go to ensure that no child gets left behind. Our schools provide pastoral support that is second to none. This is part and parcel of their Catholic life and mission of course but the emotional and practical cost of this must be acknowledged with huge thanks.
We can help schools in a variety of ways – this report being just one example which will raise awareness of the situation facing our schools, together with a call for change; bespoke social work and counselling support through our school service team; providing support on how to embed the principles of Catholic Social Teaching through staff and pupil training and formation; engagement with our Caritas services to provide opportunities for charitable action and support with poverty-proofing to ensure an equality of opportunity, to name but a few.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would like to thank all our schools for putting caritas – love – into action each and every day in the way they strive for the very best for each child. They go way above and beyond and work miracles every day. Please know that we appreciate everything you do!