New Religion Curriculum Will Not Erode Freedoms, Education Minister Says

September 5, 2003

Source: iafrica.com

http://iafrica.com/news/sa/268414.htm

On September 5, 2003 iafrica.com reported that South African Education Minister Kader Asmal said a new religion education curriculum in Bloemfontein does not infringe on religious freedom. The article said, "One result of the new policy would be the introduction of religion education as a new curricular programme in schools. The aim of this would be to teach and learn about religion and religious diversity in South Africa and the world.

No teachers were currently trained for this and new learning materials, such as textbooks, still needed to be developed.

Religion education was aimed at affirming pupils' own spiritual identities, while developing in them an informed appreciation of the religious identities of others.

Age appropriate religion education would be taught. This allayed fears that it would turn pupils against their own religions, Asmal said."