Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
Throughout their history, the Brothers of Charity have developed their own education system in their schools, which we could describe as the pedagogy of charity. In the course of two international conferences this pedagogy was further examined; in Ghent, Belgium in November 2005, in which representatives of all countries where the Congregation is active in education took part, and in Polokwane, South Africa in October 2008, in which the school representatives of the African continent participated. In the near future, a follow-up conference will be organized for the Asian continent. Reflecting on schooling and education with the Brothers of Charity always requires a reference to the Congregations charism because the current pedagogical system is rooted in it, as well as a reference to the essence of Catholic education as it is defined by the Catholic Church because schooling and education with the Brothers of Charity is essentially acknowledged as Catholic education. A school of the Brothers of Charity is a school established by the Congregation of the Brothers of Charity, developed by the Congregation and run by the Congregation in collaboration with others. There are schools taken over by the Congregation and supervised by them, as well. All of them follow the Congregations pedagogical plan, and all those involved in schooling and education find their inspiration in it. In our reflection on the pedagogy of the schools of the Brothers of Charity, we should take our departure from the ethos of the Brothers of Charity as it is expressed through their charism. We will also take the basic elements that are typical of Catholic education into consideration. We consider the pedagogy of charity as the specific aspect that is illuminated within the Brothers of Charitys schooling and education. Beforehand, we would like to specify that schooling and education in the schools of the Brothers of Charity always go hand in hand. Our motto can be: No schooling without education. Schooling and education essentially belong together in the schools of the Brothers of Charity.
Charity are the fruit of this charism with their founding in 1807. Father Triest, as the founder is called, was a man who was profoundly moved by the living situation of the poor. He looked at reality through the eyes of the Gospel and was particularly touched by the words of Chirst: Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me (Mt 25: 40). It is not without reason that Triest was called the Belgian Vincent de Paul. He wanted to help the poor and bring hope into their lives as well as the perspective of the joy of the resurrection. He passed on his personal motto Deus Caritas est, God is love to his Brothers of Charity as their eventual source of inspiration. He had understood that one can only truly love the poor when one does it starting from and with Gods love. Charity can only be developed departing from Gods love; it is the realization of the commandment of love from the Gospel in its entirety. Therefore, a profound spiritual life became the basis of his lifes commitment and his dedication. He very aptly phrased his personal mission in three words: example, teaching and service. Above all else, he wanted to lead an exemplary life; starting from his own example he wanted to teach; and eventually he wanted to place himself entirely in the service of others. Call me whenever you want and do not spare me, do not be afraid of disturbing me. I am happy when, in imitation of Jesus Christ, my Master, I can sacrifice for you my rest, my health and even my life. We can aptly summarize the instruction that the founder gave to the first brothers in the name that they received from him, the motto that he gave to them and the way in which he worked out the first apostolic works with them. The Brothers of Charitys original name was: Hospital Brothers of Saint Vincent. In it, we hear the appeal to become a brother, to live a life of brotherly love with each other and with all people. As religious brothers, the Brothers of Charity have the special task of becoming and being the beacons of fraternity and of living and experiencing this fraternity among each other, among their co-workers and the people whom they serve. They want to be called Brother by everyone and be a Brother to all, particularly to those who do not have anyone who calls them brother or sister. It involves the experience of hospitality. The houses of the Brothers of Charity have to be hospitable homes where people can truly feel at home, where those, and especially those, who are cast aside by others are given a warm welcome. A true atmosphere of hospitality must prevail with the Brothers of Charity. The Brothers of Charity want to serve the poor in the spirit of Saint Vincent de Paul. Saint Vincent is a true epitome of charity, of Christian neighbourly love. He calls the poor his masters, the icons of Christ whom he wanted to serve with respect and love. He was a man who always put love, humility and simplicity first. These are the virtues, these are the
values of life that the Brothers of Charity want to experience, live and realize today. With the motto Deus Caritas est God is love, the Brothers of Charity understand that neighbourly love in all its radicality is merely possible when one is profoundly inspired by Gods love. Therefore, they are invited to penetrate ever further into the mystery of Gods love so as to fully experience, live and realize the commandment of neighbourly love. In conclusion, we see that Father Triest always translated charity in his foundations into professionalism. He considered charity in itself as a triad of love, compassion and mercy. With a loving basic attitude one approaches his neighbour; one is moved by his or her living situation; one allows compassion, commiseration to grow; and from this compassion one will help the other in a concrete manner through the practice of the works of mercy. This charity finds its translation in professionalism. When one loves the other, Triest argued, one will feel the need to help the other in the best possible way, in a professional way. And with this professionalism we must consider the professional competence of those who help their neighbour, the solid structure in which the work takes place, the adapted environment and accommodation in which our neighbour is received, as a mark of respect for him or her, and the holistic view from which one approaches his neighbour. We must attend to our neighbour in body and soul, were the words of the founder. Today, we can translate this charism, which has blossomed into a vision, into a mission. In this, the following elements are brought into play: - The Brothers of Charity want to develop a worldwide culture of charity; they aim to introduce love to people and in places where love is completely absent; - They want to develop a preferential care for the poor and especially for those who are limited and wounded in their human capacities; - From a loving basic attitude, they want to provide professional care, education and support; - Their ultimate goal is always to improve the quality of live; to contribute to a more humane society where there is room for the poor and the weak; and to let Gods love and the perspective of the joy of the resurrection resound in the hearts of these people.
1. Schooling Charity
and
education
with
the
Brothers
of
In order to give a description of schooling and education in the schools of the Brothers of Charity starting from this ethos, we would like to introduce 4 elements: it is about schools, Catholic schools, value-oriented education and pedagogy of charity. 2.1 It is about schools The first task of every school is providing a good education. This basic rule applies to a school of the Brothers of Charity, as well. From the
reflection that we put forward on professionalism in the view of Father Triest, we would like to introduce a few elements that are vital for good schooling. - The need for qualified teachers Every school should have enough teachers who are qualified for the subjects that they are assigned to teach. It is the schools obligation to remunerate them adequately for their services in order to stimulate them to fulfil their task properly. They should be trained in reputable training centres and prepared to acquire further qualifications. They should attach great importance to team spirit among the teachers and be an example for their students. Their teaching assignment should be fulfilled with love and they should make themselves available to students, especially to those who are experiencing difficulties. A good exercise would be to remember our own teachers, those who left their mark in particular, and ask ourselves what made them so special. - The need for good accommodation A school should have adapted facilities and sufficient teaching aids and textbooks in order to provide good schooling. Permanent attention is necessary to keep the accommodation in order and to stay alert for the good maintenance of the facilities. The classrooms will be decorated with simple means. Teaching aids should also be handled with care and resourcefulness is required to make textbooks available to the students, mainly in countries where these textbooks are scarce and too expensive, so that all students are able to acquire them. - The need for a good organizational structure An organizational structure should always be seen as a service to the organization and should support the organization in achieving its objectives. The governing body of the school should consider the realization of the Brothers of Charitys ethos as the essence of its task. The decision-making should always be in line with this ethos. The school board should consider its task as a service to the school community and the headmaster will always carry out his assignment in the spirit of service. He is willing to remember Father Triests words: I am to give you my example, my teaching and my service. These are the ingredients of the leadership style as it was lived as an example by Triest. The school should pay heed to team building for the teachers and to an optimal relationship with the parents. - Focus on all of mans dimensions In a school of the Brothers of Charity, a student will always be approached in all of his dimensions, and a holistic method will be developed. With this, we enter the heart of pedagogy, and this holistic method will take shape in the value-oriented education. 2.2 The essence of a Catholic school The schools of the Brothers of Charity are acknowledged as Catholic schools. With this, they endorse that they wish to be both inclusive and
exclusive. Their inclusiveness is expressed in their openness towards everyone without distinction. In their exclusiveness, they indicate that they orient their instruction starting from a clear frame of reference that involves the figure of Christ. Jesus Christ himself is the reference, the teacher and the one who should be taught. When we reflect on the identity of a Catholic school, 5 elements emerge, which can be considered essential. It is important that we know these elements, reflect on them and test them out in our schools. A Catholic school finds its inspiration in the person of Jesus Christ and the message of the Gospel. This message involves sanctification: sanctifying the world by means of and through a personal sanctity. This means that Christians are invited to orient their life towards the life of Christ, and through this way of life, help build a new world. That is the kingdom of God to which all Christians are called. And this is where the question arises whether our schools take Christ as their reference in their way of teaching and educating, in the decisions that are made, in the way that teachers deal with each other and with the students. A Catholic school develops a Christian view of man and students are educated towards this ideal image of man. Every school should reflect on the image of man developed and applied at the school and which is at the basis of schooling and education and wonder whether a Christian image of man is applied. This Christian image of man will orient the education plan in which the Christian values will be lived as an example and taught. A Catholic school is always considered as a Christian community where community development should take place. In this, the community spirit between teachers will play an important role and that team spirit will have an inspiring and beneficial result for the students. Students will have to be guided in order to grow into social individuals, which again will be an important element with the education project. The relationship between the school and the parents will require attention through frequent consultation, participation and support. In conclusion, Christian community development in a Catholic school will be revealed in a clear manner through apparent features: presence of a prayer room, crucifixes in the classrooms, religious effigies in the halls, the school emblem, etc. A Catholic schools curriculum should be developed from a Christian culture and a Christian view of man and the world. Every curriculum established by the government should be examined in this matter, and if it is found that it does not satisfy this condition, it should be determined how much freedom is available to make a personal contribution starting from the Christian body of thought. Also, room needs to be provided for religious instruction and the organization of moments of contemplation and liturgical celebrations, which can open the hearts of the students to Gods loving presence in
life. Both schooling and education should bring students to a Christian way of life in which love and solidarity towards their neighbour become the cornerstones. - Teachers should be true witnesses of their faith. It was Pope Paul VI who spoke the following well-chosen words: Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses. Every teacher in a Catholic school should at least be loyal to the Catholicity of the school and will preferably live his faith as an example to his students. He will lead a life in accordance with Christian ethics. The school will also support and guide its teachers in the development of their own spiritual life. A Catholic school will dispose of a clear profile of the teacher, which will provide orientation in reference to recruitment and guidance for the teachers. 2.3 A value-oriented education In a school of the Brothers of Charity, schooling and education go hand in hand. Therefore, much heed will be given to education. This education is specific because it is rooted in the Congregations ethos. In this, the mission of the Congregation can be repeated; that inspiration should always be found in the person of Jesus Christ, in the message of the Gospel and in the charism of the Congregation. Starting from this background, a value-oriented education will be presented in the schools of the Brothers of Charity, in which the great values of the Gospel will be illuminated and in which the values of their charism will be referred to with special attention. In the reflection on Catholic identity, it was said that our students should be guided towards and from a Christian view of man. This constitutes a strong invitation to develop a complete education in which the student is approached and guided in all of his dimensions. This involves mans various dimensions: his physical, psychological, social and existential dimensions, which should all be touched through education. We must guide students in their growth to true selfrealization, in which their individualism opened up so that they can grow into persons who are able to develop the different areas of their lives in a well-balanced fashion: learning to create a place where they can develop and where they truly feel at home, learning to do meaningful work and learning to spend their free time in a meaningful way. Working, living and recreating are the three areas in which everyone should find the space to develop as a person. And we have the task to guide students, so that they can grow from individually oriented beings into relational persons by making them able to stand up for their own inner self, for their neighbour, for their environment and for God. From this background, every school of the Brothers of Charity should work on developing a clear education plan in which the great values of life are lived as an example and taught in a systemic way. This education plan needs to depart from the view of man and the world and needs to guide the student towards the right relationship with
himself, his neighbour, his environment and God. Within the Congregation of the Brothers of Charity, there is a whole tradition and experience in the field of working with a clear and elaborate education plan. In 1936 already, Bro. Frederik Mus developed an education plan for the schools of the Brothers of Charity in Belgium, in which the different values spread across the entire school year were systematically elucidated with monthly and weekly points. By means of this plan, text books, manuals and other teaching aids were composed, so that every school was imbued with values, so to speak. In several places, this plan has been brought up to date, studied and developed, and it is our wish that, in all schools of the Brothers of Charity, we will be able to work with such an education plan once again. In order to make such an education plan practicable in the schools, it is important that it is supported by the entire school management and the school board accepts the responsibility to implement this education plan. That is why it would be appropriate to establish an Ethos Committee in which those in charge of the school and those in charge of pastoral work should be represented, and which has the task to implement this value-oriented education based on the figure of Christ, the message of the Gospel and the ethos of the Brothers of Charity. Ultimately, this value-oriented education should be instilled into all school activities and determine the schools general atmosphere. The education plan will only become effective when all teachers will be acquainted with this plan and are taught the skills to work with this plan. It requires special training and meetings in which all teachers will get to know the ethos of the Brothers of Charity and its translation in educational activities. It may be called a dream that all schools of the Brothers of Charity are imbued with these values once again. 2.4 Entering the heart of the culture of charity The specific colour that we would eventually like to give to a school of the Brothers of Charity is the colour of the culture of charity. Three elements are fundamentally important in this matter; they can be considered as the ingredients of the pedagogy of charity. The schools of the Brothers of Charity create openness towards the poor and special attention to those who suffer from all various forms of poverty. We can never forget that the first schools of the Brothers of Charity were true schools of the poor, exclusively aimed at children who were deprived of schooling due to material poverty. These schools gradually developed into schools that were open to all, but always with special attention for the poor. They refused to become elite schools; they continued to focus on students from all ranks of society. Today, they continue to fulfil this ideal by providing schooling in areas where no schooling is available due to specific situations. We would like to refer to our newly established schools in Pakistan and India where the poorest of the poor are instructed once again, and the organization of distance learning in Kigoma, Tanzania for those many young people in refugee camps who did not have the advantage of a good education.
With this, the Congregation stays aligned with the doctrine of the Catholic Church that asked religious congregations to remain present in education in order to pass on the Christian values through adapted education methods and to take new initiatives for those who cannot enter the normal education circuit because of extreme poverty or specific living conditions. But at the same time all schools are called to remain open to the poor and find ways to render access to education possible for these poorest of the poor. For other forms of poverty, exclusion and problematic behaviour, the schools of the Brothers of Charity also want to have special attention, and develop an individual policy in this matter on the level of each school. Giving young people who have been expelled from other schools a second chance; extra-pedagogical guidance for youngsters with behavioural problems; taking care of children from broken families; accepting young people with disabilities in normal education and creating awareness with and for the other students are examples of this attention for the poor in education. The schools of the Brothers of Charity develop a charitable attitude to life with their students. Students in a school of the Brothers of Charity should learn to deal with the poor, the sick, the less fortunate in their own way. This should receive attention in the education plan and in specific classes. But in addition, moments of experience will have to be built in. It is important that students are offered the chance to meet the poor, the sick, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and gain experience in what it means to dedicate yourself to these people. They should experiment with solidarity for the poor and the sick so to speak, so as to become solidary in an effective way. Currently, there are ongoing projects in schools of the Brothers of Charity in which students are undertaking a guided social work placement, visiting hospitals during certain occasions, work as volunteers in initiatives for relief of the poor, of AIDS patients. Of course, it is important that these experiences are guided both before and after. With the youth coach project, the Brothers of Charity in Belgium want to train teachers and carers to take care of this guidance during days of contemplation. When students graduate at a school of the Brothers of Charity, they should take this basic attitude with them so that they can help build a more humane world where there is room and attention for the poor and the weak. The schools of the Brothers of Charity provide a Christian view of suffering. This final item is a very difficult one. However, it treats of an important matter, certainly in a society that looks at people ever more negatively because of an illness, a disability or old age, apparently because they are no longer useful to society. Indeed, there is a negative view of suffering, and linked with it is a negative view of those who cannot lead a normal life. The peoples lives are quickly considered incomplete, unhappy, meaningless, and we should not forget that certain regimes were not -
afraid of proceeding to active elimination and marking them as societys parasites. In certain communist countries where usefulness prevails in the development of society, care for e.g. severely mentally challenged children and chronic psychiatric patients remains completely inadequate. Society is not prepared to spend its means on these people; it cannot be recuperated. But also current legislation in certain Western countries which encourages abortion of foetuses with disabilities and euthanasia for demented patients testifies to a very utilitarian view of man. A meaningful life is linked to the way in which a person can be useful to society. In a Christian view of illness, suffering and death, it is clearly said that these are realities of life that are to be accepted. Through good care, one is called to ease a persons suffering and to alleviate it as much as possible, but at the same time, one will help reach acceptance of the fact that suffering is a part of life. Moreover, one will put all of ones energy in proving to people who suffer or who have become dependent on the care of others because of an illness or a disability that their lives are meaningful. Even a life that totally depends on the care of others maintains its meaning and receives even more meaning because it constitutes a silent invitation to receive other peoples love, and so to procure charity. Providing loving care to a completely infirm person is the purest form of love that one can give to another because it is stripped of all reciprocity. It is about unconditional love, and that is after all the level of love to which we, as Christians, are called. From the charism of the Brothers of Charity and their practice in the care for persons with disabilities and other incurable suffering, such love is required in schooling and education. Conclusion Schooling and education in a school of the Brothers of Charity is a dynamic matter. It will always have to be adapted to the culture and to the time, but the basic values should always stand upright. We would like to offer these basic values as an invitation to our schools. If we find that, currently, due to specific circumstances, certain conditions are not met, it should not be a reason for discouragement and certainly not for inertia. On the contrary, it should be an invitation to go and look for a better interpretation in a creative and gradual way of schooling and education in all of its aspects. It is a process that one should enter in faith, trusting in Gods grace, being each others support and, of course, counting on the result of everyones dedication.