Religion should be banned from schools, says local mom
A Somerset Park mother believes that Christian based teachings at a local school are infringing on her son's constitutional rights.
RELIGION has once again created controversy, in the schooling system, after a Somerset Park mother raised concerns about the Christian based teachings at a popular Durban North school.
Tanusha Govender*, a Hindu devotee said she was horrified when her seven-year-old son recently asked her why the Hindu God, Lord Krishna “looked like the devil”. She believes that the Christian based teachings at the school has not only confused her son, but has also infringed on his constitutional rights.
“At no point did the school ask me or inform me about the religious teachings at the school. Parents should have the right to dictate what religion to teach their children, and here the unfair practices of the school has robbed me of that option,” she said.
According to Govender, when she approached the school with her concerns, she was met with indifference. “I was told that they have always incorporated Christianity into the school’s curriculum and that it was not going to change. It was like hitting a brick wall. The biggest problem is that many parents aren’t aware of the situation,” she said.
Furthermore, she said she requested a meeting with the school’s governing body to plead her case, but was promptly denied the opportunity.
Govender said her son has been excluded from Christian based lessons since she raised her concerns. She believes that this has had a negative effect on her son. “Teachers have asked him to wait outside the classroom or to entertain himself during these lessons. He is being isolated and ostracized, which is not fair. He does not understand, and is beginning to feel that our religion is wrong. If they truly want to incorporate religion into their lessons, they must include various religions and not discriminate against the rest, or they must just leave religion out all together. Good values and morals can be taught without it,” she said.
The school’s principal declined to comment, saying that the department of education had advised staff to direct any media queries to the department.
Spokesman for the Department of Education, Musi Mhlambi, said it was the school’s prerogative to decide on what religion they taught in the school. “The school decides based on what the majority chooses. They choose what religion they follow but that should not be to the detriment of a child who does not follow that. It is enshrined in the constitution that forms the main guidelines for these decisions. The school must then find an alternative for that child and they cannot be discriminated against on the basis of their religion,” he said.
The school’s governing body confirmed that they are a government school with a Christian based ethos. On the school’s website, under the About Us section they specify this.
*Her surname has been changed to protect her son’s identity.
This woman is infringing on countless people’s rights by demanding religon not be taught at school. If she feels so strongly about it why doesnt she send her kid to a Hindu school ? I am sick of people who know the “rules” before they set out and then complain bitterly when it doesnt suit them – Mt Edgecombe estate is a prime example – you knwo the rules when you buy there but then complain they dont suit you and your massive dog. I digress…. The school has done the right thing here.
I am sure when she enrolled her son at the school there would have been something indicating the school was Christian, she chose the school. There are Hindu, Islamic, Jewish schools all over. She could send her child to a Hindu school. If I sent my child to a Hindu school would they stop teaching Hindu principles just because I am a Christian and don’t want to expose my child to that?? Doubt it! There is nothing wrong with knowing a little about each religion. She should be more focused on his education and not fret about something she can remove her child from!
You chose the school. You can also choose to change schools. That’s your right.
It should not be an argument of which religion should be taught in school. No religion whatsoever should be taught at school.. they should stick to facts.
Teach children about morals and ethics yes, but in no way is religion the answer to that. Scrap it entirely and have the kids learn and absorb knowledge that is actually useful, and who knows, we may yet find another Newton, Tesla or Hawking.
Which other government school follows a specific religion? These are ex model C schools which have the orthodox mindset. You can’t exclude a child and neither can you make one religion exclusive. We are a multi cultural society and because the school which has those ethos from the predominant white (christian ) society days it hasn’t evolved to incorporate other cultures which also feeds into the school based on vicinity. Doesn’t quite make sense for a mum to take her child to another government school that doesn’t have christian values taught to another area.
Separating a child from the rest of the class is like painting a target on him or her for abuse. This practice is immoral and no good, loving person would be able to subject a 7 year old to this kind of abuse without suffering a moral crisis. Look into your heart and respect this child as a human. Practice your religion free and fair but do not sacrifice the dignity and rights of this child on the altar of your religion.
I think this mother is confused!! The CAPS curriculum which has to be taught by each government school covers religious festivals for ALL religious, like Eid, Diwali and Christmas this does not mean it is religious teachings!!
Please find out the real story and facts. Religion is not ‘taught’ in the school, rather the kids are exposed to ALL religions so they can respect them. All children in the school are not forced to participate and can use their free will to choose not to participate in this lesson. If you as a parent feel so strongly about what your children is exposed to, then send them to an appropriate school. Please DO NOT try to change what I consider to be a vital part of my child’s learning of tolerance and respect for religion and different cultures because you want to keep yours in ignorance.