The Champions

Honouring the Spirit of Work and Workers

Whenever I think of progress — whether in a school, a community, or a nation — I see the faces of people who quietly keep everything running. From the gardener who nurtures every green leaf to the worker who ensures our spaces are safe and clean, their effort forms the heartbeat of every institution. Workers are the true champions of our society, and celebrating them is not just a tradition — it’s a tribute to dignity and humanity.

Every year, on May 1, the world comes together to observe Workers’ Day (May Day) — a day that reminds us that labour, in all its forms, is sacred.

“Without labour, nothing prospers.” – Sophocles“All labour that uplifts humanity has dignity.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

At St. Britto’s, this celebration is one of gratitude and respect. We create moments for our students to understand the real value of work — not through lectures, but through experience. Children participate in activities like sweeping classrooms, watering plants, serving meals, or helping in simple maintenance tasks. They also create handmade thank-you cards and small tokens of appreciation for the school’s workers — gestures that come straight from the heart.

Through these experiences, students begin to see the people behind the scenes — the drivers, cleaners, gardeners, kitchen staff — and understand that every contribution, no matter how small, is essential. It is beautiful to watch them realize that dignity of labour is not just a lesson from textbooks; it is a value that builds character.

Our discussions often go deeper — about the challenges many workers face: physical strain, long hours, and the need for fair wages. But more importantly, we focus on their resilience, teamwork, and quiet pride in their work. It’s these qualities that inspire our students to approach every task with humility and gratitude.

“Pleasure in a job puts perfection in the work.” – Aristotle

As I watched our children hand over their handmade gifts and say “thank you” with sincerity, I felt that small ripple of change — the kind that begins with awareness and grows into compassion. True education, after all, lies not only in learning about the world but in learning to value the people who build it.

The champions of labour remind us that every act of service, no matter how humble, holds immense worth. And when we honour their contribution, we move closer to a society that celebrates dignity, fairness, and respect for all.