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Motivation Mondays: Labor & Literacy

07/09/2015
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“It was the labor movement that helped secure so much of what we take for granted today. The 40-hour work week, the minimum wage, family leave, health insurance, Social Security, Medicare, retirement plans. The cornerstones of the middle-class security all bear the union label.” Pres Barack Obama

Motivation Mondays: Labor & Literacy - collage of Labor & Literacy photos

Motivation Mondays: Labor & Literacy – collage of Labor & Literacy photos


History of the Holidays: Labor Day

The first Labor Day parade was held in New York City on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, organized by machinist Mathew Maguire. Twenty thousand workers paraded up Broadway with banners that read “Labor Creates All Wealth,” and “Eight Hours for Work; Eight hours for Rest; Eight Hours for Recreation!” This was more of a festival than a demonstration. It was a celebration with picnics and fireworks. It was also an idea that quickly captured the interest of the nation and spread from coast to coast. READ: Our Labor Day: The Real Meaning of the Labor Day Holiday By John Shepler

What does Labor Day mean to you? Years ago, the world of work was brutal and often short. There were no laws to guide our movement from one dingy workplace to the death trap of another. Work hours were long, pay was little, and those with an entrepreneurial spirit could embark on any kind of business, create atrocious workplaces and conditions, and offer little or no recourse for those they hired to work for them. Add to that, the common practice of child labor which was often unpaid, and you might begin to understand the power of the labor movement that turned life around for middle and working class folks. It was the effort of men like Matthew Maguire and Peter J. McGuire who forced the hand of our government to take this matter seriously and nail the coffin shut on abuse and inhumane work practices. The death of some workers/protesters during the Pullman Strike, in 1894, led to increased pressure from workers and eventually led to Labor Day being declared a National Holiday with a unanimous vote by Congress; then sitting US President, Grover Cleveland, signed off on it and the movement never looked back.

Even though the President signed on in 1894, it is important to remember that the first Labor Day Parade was held in NYC in 1882 to honor and celebrate the efforts of all the hardworking men and women who put their lives on the line every day to ensure that their families had food to eat and a roof over their heads. When I think of this day, it is one we should all honor because the motivation to work remains the same today. What motivates you to go to work and earn a living? The answer is very clear for millions of people around the world, and yet, many have stood by and watched the erosion of the labor movement take place. It is not by accident that we have “The 40-hour work week, the minimum wage, family leave, health insurance, Social Security, Medicare, and retirement plans.” All have been fought for by those who believed that without proper compensation, people would be working for nothing and change will not take place. In tandem with labor laws are literacy laws because an uneducated populace cannot progress fully.
A Story: From Poverty to Progress
My paternal grandmother raised my dad alone after her husband died suddenly of a heart attack. They were poor farmers, in a West African village, who saw the arrival of Missionaries at the turn of the 20th Century. When her hubby passed away, My Grandma sent her youngest son to the only school in a nearby village. It was a Missionary school that educated a handful of boys, sent by bold parents, in a fractious climate that didn’t encourage education as a way out of poverty. Many locals were against the missionaries who were determined to force people to abandon traditional practices and Ancestral worship for a new Christian order. Village leaders were also against the imposition of tax levies on communities that were barely eking out a living to support their families. So you can imagine that, in such a tense climate of imminent and eventual change, education was not available to all or even considered a road out of poverty. My Grandma, out of desperation to support her family, took a chance and my dad received an education that led him down the path to entering the world of Accountancy, Banking and eventually Government. We can never dismiss the power of a focused mind in creating change.
Education is a fundamental right and the basis for progress in every country. Parents need information about health and nutrition if they are to give their children the start in life they deserve. Prosperous countries depend on skilled and educated workers…” Ban Ki-Moon, United Nations Secretary-General

otivation Mondays: Labor & Literacy - collage of Labor & Literacy photos

Motivation Mondays: Labor & Literacy – collage of Labor & Literacy photos


Global Reading Network: International Literacy Day

The theme of International Literacy Day 2015 is Literacy and Sustainable Societies. Literacy is a key driver for sustainable development. Literacy skills are the prerequisite for the learning of a broader set of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values, required for creating sustainable societies. At the same time, progress in areas of sustainable development, such as health and agriculture, serves as an enabling factor in the promotion of literacy and literate environments. Literacy Day – UNESCO.Org

What does International Literacy Day mean to you? September 8th is the UNESCO designated date for us to recognize the importance of literacy around the round. It was initiated in 1965 and celebrated first in 1966. “Its aim is to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies.” When we think of literacy, we must remember the correlation between labor and literacy. In every society, education is/can be a catalyst for change and sustainable development. Did you know that there are 781 million illiterate adults in the world? Did you know that of the almost 800 million illiterate people in the world, 496 million of them are women? When we consider the staggering statistics on literacy figures globally, we can better understand the role lack of education plays in the lack of substantive work available to many people around the world. The lack of work creates poverty globally. This year, the theme for International Literacy Day 2015 is Literacy and Sustainable Societies. Why is this important? Imagine all the ways that an educated populace can effect change and pull others up from poverty. Developing adult and child literacy programs are imperative to overall development in every country. READ: ProLiteracy.org:TOOLKIT 2015
A Story: How Literacy Impacts Understanding
A martial artist knelt before his master sensei in a ceremony to receive the hard-earned Black Belt. After years of relentless training, the student has finally reached a pinnacle of achievement in the discipline.
“Before granting you the belt, you must pass one more test,” the sensei solemnly tells the young man.
“I’m ready,” responds the student, expecting perhaps one more round of sparring.
“You must answer the essential question, ‘What is the true meaning of the Black Belt?'”
“Why, the end of my journey,” says the student. “A well-deserved reward for all of my hard work.”
The master waits for more. Clearly, he is not satisfied. The sensei finally speaks: “You are not ready for the Black Belt. Return in one year.”
As the student kneels before his master a year later, he is again asked the question, “What is the true
meaning of the Black Belt?” “A symbol of distinction and the highest achievement in our art,” the young man responds.
Again the master waits for more. Still unsatisfied, he says once more: “You are not ready for the Black
Belt. Return in one year.” A year later the student kneels before his sensei and hears the question, “What is the true meaning of the
Black Belt?”
This time he answers, “The Black Belt represents not the end, but the beginning,the start of a never-ending journey of discipline, work and the pursuit of an ever-higher standard.” “Yes,” says the master. “You are now ready to receive the Black Belt and begin your work.” Zen Stories via Read.Goodweb

The details for Motivation Mondays are below. Join in! The themes for August and September are:
08/03 – TIME
08/10 – CONTROL
08/17 – PURPOSE
08/24 – FAILURE
08/31 – HOPE

09/07 – LABOR & LITERACY
09/14 – POSITIVE THINKING
09/21 – PEACE/INTERNATIONAL PEACE
09/28 – GOOD NEIGHBORS/GOODWILL

More Below!
…”The challenges of conquering poverty, combating climate change and achieving truly sustainable development in the coming decades compel us to work together. With partnership, leadership and wise investments in education, we can transform individual lives, national economies and our world.” Ban Ki-Moon, United Nations Secretary-General

Motivation Mondays: Labor & Literacy - collage of Labor & Literacy photos

Motivation Mondays: Labor & Literacy – collage of Labor & Literacy photos

New technologies, including mobile telephones, also offer fresh opportunities for literacy for all. We must invest more, and I appeal to all Members States and all our partners to redouble our efforts – political and financial – to ensure that literacy is fully recognized as one of the most powerful accelerators of sustainable development. The future starts with the alphabet. UNESCO, Director-General

In a UNESCO paper Sustainable Development Begins With Education (see full title below), the authors point out several ways that education contributes to poverty reduction: 1)Education enables those in paid formal employment to earn higher wages. 2) Education also offers better livelihoods for those in the non-formal sector. 3)Education boosts the income of farmers. 4)Education is critical to escape chronic poverty. 5)Education prevents the transmission of poverty between generations. Education also leads to better nutritional health choices, reduction in childbirth mishaps and exposure to disease, gender equity and empowerment, economic growth and job choices and overall well-being of people in a community. Without literacy efforts and sustainable  goals in place, a community will be unable to adequately sustain itself and the incidences of chronic poverty will remain high. So for this Motivation Monday post, I encourage you to think long and hard about your own literacy goals and what you wish to pass on to your progeny. While some can and do achieve success with minimal education, it is not the norm. The majority of us, in order to gain employment in an ever changing economic landscape, must develop new skills and get the requisite education to stay motivated and to achieve our dreams. Where are you on your labor and literacy chart?
Read: SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT BEGINS WITH EDUCATION: How education can contribute to the proposed post-2015 goals United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

A Story: Study The Nature Of The Problem To Solve It
A lion was taken into captivity and thrown into a concentration camp where, to his amazement, he found other lions who had been there for years, some of them all their lives, for they had been born there. He soon became acquainted with the social activities
of the camp lions. They banded themselves into groups. One group consisted of the socializers; another was into show business; another was cultural, for its purpose was to carefully preserve the customs, the tradition, and the history of the times when lions
were free; other groups were religious — they gathered mostly to sing moving songs about a future jungle where there would be no fences; some groups attracted those who were literary and artistic by nature; others still were revolutionary, and they met to plot
against their captors or against other revolutionary groups. Every now and then a revolution would breakout, one particular group would be wiped out by another, or the guards would all be killed and replaced by another set of guards.
As he looked around, the newcomer observed one lion who always seemed deep in thought, a loner who belonged to no group and mostly kept away from everyone. There was something strange about him that commanded everyone’s admiration and everyone’s hostility, for his presence aroused fear and self-doubt. He said to the newcomer, “Join no group. These poor
fools are busy with everything except what is essential.”
“And what do you think is most essential?” asked the newcomer.
“Studying the nature of the fence.”Zen Stories via Read.Goodweb

Positive Motivation Tip:  Labor and Literacy are twins on our journey to a fulfilling work life. Seek both and grow.

Motivation Mondays is open to anyone who wishes to share a motivational quote, photo, personal challenge or a post that encourages others to start the week on an upbeat note.
Basic Instructions: Each week, I will have a motivation word to help us create a response. (See listed words for the months above/below)
Email address: You may email or share your post as a comment and I will add it to the round-up of related posts. email it to: contact(@)mirthandmotivation(.)com
Category tag: – Share your post using Motivation Mondays
Twitter hashtag: – Use this on Twitter #MotvnM
Dedicated Page: There is a dedicated page for Motivation Mondays. It has the same instructions and will include other helpful tools and a link to the round-up
Facebook Page: MotivationOnMondays Join our page and add your post and/or any motivational piece you think will be helpful to others.
Facebook Community: We have a Facebook community forum to compliment the page. It serves as another way to share uplifting posts and thoughts. Please join in and add your voice.

Badge: – I created a fun badge using PicMonkey’s free photo editing tools. You can create your own, use WordPress’ integrated tool on your blog or you are welcome to use mine. (see dedicated page)
Tag: – Motivation Mondays
Hashtag: – #MotvnM

Related Posts

PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: Zen Stories via Read.Goodweb,  All Photos: Labor Day Parade NYC 1882 (1), Labor Day Parade 1882 (2), Tyre Shop worker, Child Labor, Labor Day events, Labor Day Buffalo (1), Labor Day Buffalo (2), Child Labor Nepali, Maasai Women at USAID Literacy Event,  A blind girl reads the Bible by Touch to Illiterate gathering, Elderly Lao woman reading, The Reader, Adriaen van Ostade, Bill of sale Louvre, via Wikipedia and/or from my Personal Collection.

Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet

from → Global Events, Positive Advice, Posts & Photos 2015
195 Comments leave one →
  1. Masshole Mommy permalink
    07/09/2015 2:59 pm

    Labor day is such an important holiday here in the us. It’s great for everyone to take time to remember and give thanks.

    Reply
    • [email protected] permalink*
      07/09/2015 4:14 pm

      It is an important day on many levels and we need to protect those labor laws and literacy laws that have made life bearable for so many…

      Reply
  2. Joely Smith permalink
    07/09/2015 6:06 pm

    I absolutely LOVE your Motivation Mondays posts and all of your posts for that matter. You always share such valuable information! I often bookmark your posts to come back and reflect on when I have more time to do so. I have often shared your posts with my family for discussion as well. I love how many bloggers are posting about Labor Day! I will need to do this as well next year as it is such an important topic. My favorite part of this specific post is: A Story: From Poverty to Progress
    Thank you!

    Reply
    • [email protected] permalink*
      07/09/2015 9:42 pm

      Than you Joely for your kind feedback! <3 I really appreciate the time you spend reading and sharing these posts, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I'm glad you enjoyed the min story about my Grandmother and my Dad. She was a strong lady, and I was very fond of her. <3

      Reply
  3. Victoria permalink
    07/09/2015 6:37 pm

    Being able to have these labor laws and literacy laws have definitely made an impact in our lives! Being able to share this with my children is important for them to know and how privilege they are now a days!

    Reply
    • [email protected] permalink*
      07/09/2015 9:38 pm

      We are very fortunate to have access to education and other opportunities,. It is not so readily available in other parts of the world; even in Europe.

      Reply
    • upliftingfam permalink
      08/09/2015 10:18 pm

      I know that I struggled with some ADA restrictions when I was in the workforce. I felt jipped out because those restrictions were set up for people with disabilities.

      I also know a ton of employers that don’t always follow the rules. It’s so sad.

      Reply
      • [email protected] permalink*
        10/09/2015 12:39 pm

        Thank you Christy…. we need these laws in place and to never forget them.

  4. The Trophy WifeStyle permalink
    07/09/2015 6:53 pm

    Hehehe is it bad that I really didn’t know what Labor Day was really about until earlier today?!? My hubb gave me a long talk about it… I felt kinda dumb for not knowing but glad I now know!

    Reply
    • [email protected] permalink*
      07/09/2015 9:37 pm

      I’m glad your hubby shared some information with you and now, you can do the same with your daughter.

      Reply
  5. Claudette Esterine permalink
    07/09/2015 7:11 pm

    Great connection you presented in this post. Thanks for bringing them to mind and to the forefront of today’s conversation.

    Reply
  6. Autumn @ Stay gold Autumn permalink
    07/09/2015 7:45 pm

    It makes so much sense to me that labor laws + literacy rates go together. People who can’t advocate for themselves get taken advantage of and I saw this all of the time when I worked as a special ed teacher.

    Reply
    • [email protected] permalink*
      07/09/2015 9:35 pm

      My goodness Autumn, I can only imagine. Illiteracy is a nightmare for families with school age children.

      Reply
  7. amanda permalink
    07/09/2015 8:15 pm

    On days like today it makes me so proud that I have been a part of so many great unions. Banding together with my fellow teachers has done nothing but make our school and our students’ education even better than I could have ever imagined.

    Reply
    • [email protected] permalink*
      07/09/2015 9:34 pm

      Exactly. It has been a great way to unite people around a common cause that benefits so many. The world of work is difficult and we ought to celebrate it.

      Reply
  8. maggiesblog2 permalink
    07/09/2015 8:28 pm

    I guess I never really considered what we had to go through to get what we take for granted. This was very informative.

    Reply
  9. upliftingfam permalink
    07/09/2015 9:32 pm

    I always think of Labor as tough work ie chopping wood by hand, tilling farm using a donkey, things that were done before modern machinery to make things easier for us.

    Reply
    • [email protected] permalink*
      07/09/2015 9:44 pm

      Interesting Christy! All work is Labor. Some folks have White collar jobs and don’t get their hands dirty or lift heavy items but, they are still protected by labor laws because they do work. 🙂

      Reply
  10. Shann permalink
    07/09/2015 10:34 pm

    Labor day is such an important day. This year my birthday fell on it, so it was really special to me.

    Reply
    • [email protected] permalink*
      10/09/2015 1:04 pm

      ★.✰˚. ★ *˛ ˚<3* ˚ღ •˚Hope You had a Happy Birthday ★.✰˚. ★ *˛ ˚<3* ˚ღ •˚Sprinkled with Abundant Blessings!*˛ ˚<3* ˚ღ •˚★.✰˚. ★

      Reply
  11. Michelle Solee (@michisolee) permalink
    07/09/2015 10:52 pm

    Nice trivia about US Labor Day. We also celebrate Labor Day in the Philippines, which is May 1 and it is summer so most of the time, people go to resort. 🙂

    Reply
  12. Girl, Unspotted permalink
    07/09/2015 11:43 pm

    I have to agree with you that labor and literacy go hand in hand together. This is a very educational post, Elizabeth!

    Reply
  13. victoria permalink
    08/09/2015 12:04 am

    Labor day was really important, it is the time for thanks giving to everyone. i love your monday motivation post.

    Reply
  14. miss (@thedealmatch) permalink
    08/09/2015 12:18 am

    Labor day means no work and no stress ; ) too bad, I spent so many hours working on my blog today

    Reply
  15. Esme Sy permalink
    08/09/2015 12:55 am

    This is good information. It’s a great reminder to all of us how we got our labor laws. I enjoyed reading the stories, especially From Poverty to Progress.

    Reply
  16. Eileen Mendoza Loya permalink
    08/09/2015 2:50 am

    Raising the literacy rate in remote parts of the world would enable these people to be employed in better paying jobs. Being literate and knowing their rights as workers ensures fair labor practices.

    Reply
  17. Debbie Denny permalink
    08/09/2015 3:13 am

    Great post on Labor day. Literacy is important to gain understanding.

    Reply
  18. ceemee permalink
    08/09/2015 3:38 am

    Picnics and fireworks on Labor Day sounds like Independence Day. But, it sure is important to remember this day so we could once more examine the nature of labor, if people are true to their calling and given fair wages.

    Reply
  19. Melisa Sanchez permalink
    08/09/2015 3:58 am

    Before I really didn’t know about the history of the Labor day! Thank you so much for this very well presented the history about Labor day 🙂

    Reply
  20. Gil Camporazo permalink
    08/09/2015 4:19 am

    In every work a man does, he needs to rest. His body is not like a machine. Nevertheless, a machine does need to rest too or else it will be easy to deteriorate and depreciate for wear and tear. Even God Himself has rested for the 7th day after His week-long work. Meaning, a day of rest is so important. Thus, labor day is so conceived as such. Gil Camporazo

    Reply
  21. tumandok permalink
    08/09/2015 4:20 am

    In every work a man does, he needs to rest. His body is not like a machine. Nevertheless, a machine does need to rest too or else it will be easy to deteriorate and depreciate for wear and tear. Even God Himself has rested for the 7th day after His week-long work. Meaning, a day of rest is so important. Thus, labor day is so conceived as such. – Gil Camporazo

    Reply
  22. Dawn McAlexander permalink
    08/09/2015 4:54 am

    Thank goodness for the Labor Movement. I could not imagine working in a world where there were no laws or guidelines to keep people or businesses from just working us literally to death.

    Reply
  23. Scott permalink
    08/09/2015 5:31 am

    Our teachers celebrate Literacy Day by assigning the kids special things to read. Usually things in the news.

    Reply
  24. Karla | karlaroundtheworld permalink
    08/09/2015 6:18 am

    Education is definitely very important and for countries to progress, good education is to be provided. I agree with that.

    Reply
  25. Roxi Roman-Santiago permalink
    08/09/2015 6:53 am

    Education is still an on-going issue in my country. Not everyone gets to go to school, even if there are free public schools all over the country. Some are just not motivated to go at all because job security is not guaranteed.

    Reply
  26. leybainpublic permalink
    08/09/2015 7:11 am

    The above infographic is truly an eye opener. Thanks for providing such timely and vital info.

    Reply
  27. kitchnwhisperer permalink
    08/09/2015 7:44 am

    Education is so important for adults and kids. Can’t assume that history lessons are learned in school.

    Reply
  28. Melissa Ungco permalink
    08/09/2015 7:54 am

    Interesting read! We actually had a quiz about this today at school. How I wish I came across your post before my class. It would have been really helpful. Hehe. Still, thanks for sharing. 🙂

    Reply
  29. Lucid Gypsy permalink
    08/09/2015 10:15 am

    A fascinating insight into American history, and our dads had similar experiences, mine to Law

    Reply
  30. Rosey permalink
    08/09/2015 12:01 pm

    I love that there is a day to recognize literacy. It’s a great initiative to be involved in, whether in or out of the house.

    Reply
  31. erikaawakening962161059 permalink
    08/09/2015 12:28 pm

    Thanks for reminding us what Labor Day is all about … I have heard some horrific stories about how factory workers used to be treated.

    Reply
    • [email protected] permalink*
      10/09/2015 12:54 pm

      Yes, and those History Channel videos on it are very scary… Labor Laws saved a lot of lives.

      Reply
  32. jenniferclay795 permalink
    08/09/2015 2:19 pm

    I learned a lot about Labor Day from reading your post. It is sad to think that some people just think of Labor Day as a 3 day weekend! Thanks for your post!

    Reply
  33. Boho Chic (@TotallyTerris) permalink
    08/09/2015 3:20 pm

    We always celebrate labor day with friends and family and a lot of relaxing. Thanks so much for sharing, I didn’t know some of these facts before.

    Reply
  34. Fred permalink
    08/09/2015 3:26 pm

    Those literacy figures are very disturbing especially for a first world country like the United States. Literacy is very important for the progress of a country and each individual. Or else it is just menial labor for them. – Fred

    Reply
    • [email protected] permalink*
      10/09/2015 12:52 pm

      Precisely! An uneducated populace is a dangerous thing as creates health and economic failures. TY!

      Reply
  35. Jason Panuelos permalink
    08/09/2015 4:33 pm

    We are still quite lacking in this in the Philippines. Especially on the literacy side! I didn’t know there was so much more to Labor Day til I read this! Awesome 😀

    Reply
  36. tara pittman permalink
    08/09/2015 5:42 pm

    It is sad that people cant read that well. I guess nobody taught them or things stood in the way.

    Reply
  37. MrsTee permalink
    08/09/2015 5:48 pm

    I only knew the very basics of the history of Labor Day. I had know idea how of the true importance and where it came from. Thanks so much for sharing!

    Reply
  38. thewomentalk permalink
    08/09/2015 6:30 pm

    What an informative and educational session. There were so many things I was not aware of. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  39. vegetarianmamma permalink
    08/09/2015 7:03 pm

    We do seem to take things for granted. All work is labor for sure, and there are so many different levels of that 🙂

    Reply
  40. Jonathan Key permalink
    08/09/2015 7:34 pm

    Making the connection between labor laws and literacy is really cool. This was really informative!

    Reply
  41. [email protected] permalink
    08/09/2015 7:40 pm

    When I think of Labor Day all I can think of is end of summer and my birthday!!

    Reply
  42. Acadiana'sThriftyMom (@acadianathrifty) permalink
    08/09/2015 7:52 pm

    What a beautiful post and a wonderful way to remember and celebrate labor day. Thanks so much for sharing 🙂

    Reply
  43. Liz Mays permalink
    08/09/2015 8:04 pm

    Literacy is definitely power and it’s easy to take it for granted in the modern age. Just because we’re literate doesn’t mean we know all of our own rights so I’m glad those laws are there for our protection.

    Reply
  44. Diana permalink
    08/09/2015 8:38 pm

    This was such an interesting post, it’s amazing what we all take for granted when we don’t stop to think of everything we have.

    Reply
  45. asbestrecipes permalink
    08/09/2015 8:59 pm

    Labor Day for us is a reminder to remember those to make the difference and to value what we have now.

    Reply
  46. hickoryblues permalink
    08/09/2015 9:30 pm

    It was definitely important at the time to make sure workers were treated fairly and kept safe. We’ve come a long way!

    Reply
  47. enzo permalink
    09/09/2015 1:22 am

    Literacy means opportunities. That’s what I always believed and has been my guiding principle in finishing my degree despite all the odds of poverty.

    Reply
  48. Tiffany Yong permalink
    09/09/2015 2:05 am

    The article reminds me of the saying “The more you learn, the less you know.” In other countries, Labour Day is on 1st May instead of September…

    Reply
  49. danii permalink
    09/09/2015 2:55 am

    I always think of Labor Day as being a gratitude day, thanking everyone that works for putting in the time and effort to do it continually.

    Reply
  50. Nicol permalink
    09/09/2015 2:57 am

    i don’t know much about labour day and this was very informative! the history of your family was interesting to read

    Reply
  51. swell conditions permalink
    09/09/2015 4:37 am

    Happy Labour Day to you too! I’m glad that they haven’t done away with that day off, the end-of-Summer last hurrah!

    Reply
  52. Chubskulit Rose permalink
    09/09/2015 5:26 am

    The photos remind me of the Philippines. At a young age, we are taught to work, at least my family was. I learned so much from my parents and I admire them for that!

    Reply
  53. Franc Ramon permalink
    09/09/2015 6:55 am

    I think hardwork is what bridges poverty to progress. It’s really important to value the laborers.

    Reply
  54. Mia Foo permalink
    09/09/2015 7:29 am

    i didn’t even know there’s an international literacy day! we also have labour day as a holiday here in singapore too, but i never knew how this day came about either. thanks for sharing such interesting information!

    Reply
  55. Papaleng Pagulong permalink
    09/09/2015 7:39 am

    You celebrate Labor day with a bang, unlike in our country that Labor Day is associated with street rallies. I believe education is for everyone and governments should address every issue related with giving one such education.

    Reply
  56. Virginia permalink
    09/09/2015 8:21 am

    Love Motivation Mondays! Thanks for refreshing my memory on what Labor Day is really about.

    Reply
  57. Papaleng Pagulong permalink
    09/09/2015 8:45 am

    A country’s progress depends much on how government put much emphasis on quality education for the populace.

    Reply
  58. Pooja Kawatra Gupta permalink
    09/09/2015 9:17 am

    I have read little about it earlier somewhere but good to know more about the labor day. Illiteracy is so dangerous and people miss out on many things. Hope the literacy rate goes up.

    Reply
  59. littlemisscant permalink
    09/09/2015 9:51 am

    Labor Day means something quite different for me… I use it as an opportunity to reflect and see if I am where I want to be and if not I make the steps to change it.
    I also thank God for my job and pray that he will use me to bless other people.

    Reply
  60. Bree permalink
    09/09/2015 9:58 am

    This is a great reminder of what it’s all about I think for many Labor Day has just become about cookouts and the end of summer (which isn’t a bad thing, I love me a good cookout!) but it’s always nice to read something like this!

    Reply
  61. Nicole Lutzy permalink
    09/09/2015 10:21 am

    What a great history lesson! I had no idea really what Labor Day was till now!

    Reply
  62. erikaawakening962161059 permalink
    09/09/2015 11:16 am

    Yes it really is amazing how much we take for granted. People had to stand up for themselves all along the way.

    Reply
  63. Emma Spellman permalink
    09/09/2015 1:10 pm

    I could not stop looking at the picture of the little girls with the bricks on their heads. I couldn’t even imagine having to do that everyday. I am so blessed I never had to work that hard as a kid.

    Reply
    • [email protected] permalink*
      10/09/2015 11:48 am

      Amen Emma and thank you for noticing… Child Labor is still a harsh reality in many parts of the world.

      Reply
  64. Lexie Lane permalink
    09/09/2015 2:41 pm

    Labor Day celebration was certainly a good way to end the Summer. I just hope people understand the whole meaning of it. I absolutely love the meaningful posts you have and how you really help us understand what and why we do things in this country.

    Reply
  65. Nova permalink
    09/09/2015 4:45 pm

    Thanks for the insight about what Labor Day is truly means and why was it celebrated as some of us doesn’t know exactly the truth behind it.

    Reply
  66. Sunshine Kelly permalink
    09/09/2015 6:08 pm

    Labor Day is important to remind us that we are somehow labourer either we contributed our energy or intellect. But it sad that people do not respect laborers, they are the one who do the ground work.

    Reply
  67. rochkirstin permalink
    09/09/2015 6:27 pm

    Right, I have never thought about the history behind Labor Day. It’s nice to learn that the day was celebrated as a festival and not as any kind of rebellion against the government.

    Reply
  68. Norah Salazar permalink
    09/09/2015 7:20 pm

    I love being able to rest one last time before end of summer on Labor Day.

    Reply
  69. yvonnembertoldo permalink
    09/09/2015 9:04 pm

    This is a very informative post. We also celebrate Labor day here in our country. I didn’t even bother to know why it is celebrated. This is an enlightenment.

    Reply
  70. Ashley permalink
    09/09/2015 9:26 pm

    Interesting to read a bit of the history behind Labor Day, and about illiteracy around the world. Great post!

    Reply
  71. Faye Wilkerson permalink
    09/09/2015 10:34 pm

    My son is a basketball ball coach. He is always stressing education to his students. He works hard to help get them college scholarships.

    Reply
  72. phyliciamarie permalink
    10/09/2015 12:31 am

    Whew, it took me a while to finish reading this post, it was lengthy, but really informative. If not for your dad who pushed for education, I think you would have been a different person today.

    Reply
    • [email protected] permalink*
      10/09/2015 11:34 am

      I totally agree… it mattered so much to him because it changed the course of his life… and ultimately mine. TY! <3

      Reply
  73. Stephanie Pass permalink
    10/09/2015 1:29 am

    Those numbers are staggering when it comes to illiterate people. Whenever I hear or see those kinds of things, I always find it so hard to imagine not being able to read.

    Reply
  74. Lisa Rios permalink
    10/09/2015 5:52 am

    Labor day is so important & we must always ensure that labor laws are protected as it has a great kind of impact in our life. You have presented it very well with those unique pictures which I always admire so much.

    Reply
  75. JessDC permalink
    10/09/2015 7:15 am

    It is always a delight to read on your post. I always learn something new and feeling inspired. 🙂

    Reply
  76. Jojo Vito permalink
    10/09/2015 7:17 am

    Labor day is celebrated every May 1 in the Philippines. It is the time where we celebrate at least the improvement done for the labor sector

    Reply
  77. Shann permalink
    10/09/2015 8:18 am

    We have come so far in some ways for work conditions, but have a long way to go in others.

    Reply
  78. Anna permalink
    10/09/2015 9:07 am

    This gives us a reminder to honor the people before us who sacrificed doing hard labor. May be value hard work perseverance and persistence

    Reply
  79. PrayerFull Mum permalink
    10/09/2015 9:45 am

    Labour laws and literacy rates should always come hand-in-hand. I agree with what you said that education is a fundamental right and the basis for progress in every country. With education, the poor can break the vicious cycle and do something good for their lives.

    Reply
  80. Brandy M permalink
    13/09/2015 11:44 am

    Great post about Labor Day, I learned a lot and I love your pictures! They are so colorful!

    Reply
  81. Shelly permalink
    13/09/2015 4:48 pm

    As usual, very informative post! I like your story on How Literacy Impacts Understanding and facts about Labor Day, among other things. I believe that in any country, in any culture, literacy and fair labor laws bring in progress.

    Reply
  82. Dominique Goh permalink
    13/09/2015 10:02 pm

    Labor day is a holiday for us here in Singapore too. It’s certainly a day to remember the efforts of our forefathers.

    Reply
  83. Holly @ Woman Tribune permalink
    14/09/2015 11:16 am

    It is so important to recognize all of the work that has been done in the past by the labor movement, as well as the work that is still being done today, like increasing the minimum wage and guaranteeing parental leave to all new parents.

    Reply
  84. Holly permalink
    14/09/2015 11:17 am

    It is so important to recognize all of the work that has been done in the past by the labor movement, as well as the work that is still being done today, like increasing the minimum wage and guaranteeing parental leave to all new parents.

    Reply
  85. Mommy Anna permalink
    14/09/2015 6:28 pm

    Thanks for reminding me what is Labor day 🙂 its been a while since I gave importance in this holiday

    Reply
  86. Karlyn permalink
    14/09/2015 8:02 pm

    We love celebrating Labor Day, thank you for this post because now I know what is the real meaning of Labor Day.

    Reply
  87. momglenz permalink
    14/09/2015 9:51 pm

    Thanks for sharing this informative article about labor day and you always have great photos!

    Reply
  88. Lauren Harmon permalink
    15/09/2015 7:37 pm

    It’s always good to know the exact history of a holiday and not just follow along with the crowd, thanks for educating me on labor day and making sure I’m aware of what it stands for! I’ll be sharing this post next year. 🙂

    Reply
  89. Mommah Wonders permalink
    15/09/2015 10:44 pm

    Thank you so much for this post! I couldn’t agree with you more on saying that education is a fundamental right. Everyone deserves it. And no, education shouldn’t be limited to classrooms and universities. 🙂

    Reply
  90. Mommy Maye permalink
    16/09/2015 9:34 pm

    We do have Labor day too here. This is a constant reminder about the rights of all workers. It’s also good that workers are now literate about the labor laws so they know what their rights are.

    Reply
  91. Mark Villar permalink
    17/09/2015 4:34 am

    If you want good and high salary job then you must do well in school. Education is the key to success.

    Reply
  92. Melgie permalink
    17/09/2015 8:36 am

    This post simply amazing! I didn’t know much info about Labor Day until I read your post. Thanks, Eliz

    Reply
  93. Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen permalink
    18/09/2015 5:19 pm

    Thank you for sharing the history of your Labor day!

    Reply
  94. Grace permalink
    18/09/2015 7:12 pm

    I didn’t know about this until i read your post. 🙂 as always, your motivation blog posts are worth reading.

    Reply
  95. Sarah permalink
    20/09/2015 12:39 am

    Labor and literacy always go hand in hand. Thank you for this post, it made me more aware of what labor day is all about.

    Reply
  96. Allan permalink
    20/09/2015 3:56 am

    Here in our country, there are still laborers that are not that literate with the basic laws. Some still accepts works that are below the minimum wage.

    Reply
  97. theresa permalink
    23/09/2015 4:26 am

    Labor Day is crucial to all workers for this day, they will feel that they are being recognized and pampered. I hope when Labor day comes, the government would listen to our workers pleas.

    Reply
  98. janzcrystalz permalink
    23/09/2015 7:54 am

    Labor day in our country is observe every May 1. And every time it’s labor day, there are always rallies and protests.

    Reply
  99. Neely Moldovan permalink
    08/09/2021 7:56 am

    It is so important to learn the history behind Labor Day and why we celebrate it!

    Reply

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