Ads by Google Ads by Google

Samoa PM defends use of Scientology resources for schools

uila'epa Sailele Malielegaoi
Source: RNZI

Apia, SAMOA — Samoa's Prime Minister says using teaching resources based on the works of the Scientology founder, Ron Hubbard, does not mean accepting his religious beliefs.

Tuila'epa Sailele Malielegaoi was responding to enquiries after the Samoa Observer reported last month that educational resources based on Hubbard's beliefs were being used in at least six primary schools.

He said the issue was about literacy and education and not about the indoctrination of religious beliefs.

Tuila'epa confirmed that the learning method known as 'Study Technology' was being trialled in six schools as a means to curb the decline in literacy especially in primary schools.

He said the focus is on reading skills using the dictionary as an effective tool and dealing with barriers that impede understanding and comprehension.

Last year Applied Scholastics International, associated with the Church of Scientology, donated 10,000 books to the Ministry of Education.