The Ministry of Education in Trinidad and Tobago is planning to reshape the school syllabus to introduce the teaching of comparative religion.
Education Minister Dr Tim Gopeesingh made the disclosure Wednesday at a workshop on comparative religion at the Rudranath Capildeo Resource Centre, Couva.
Gopeesingh noted that the plan would not eliminate religious education at school. However he said it is important to have a different approach to religious education especially in a multi-religious society such as Trinidad and Tobago.
Gopeesingh noted that the plan would not eliminate religious education at school. However he said it is important to have a different approach to religious education especially in a multi-religious society such as Trinidad and Tobago.
“Religious instruction is geared towards the dissemination of the beliefs and practices and basic tenets of a particular faith, while comparative religion offers an opportunity to all students, regardless of religious persuasion, to understand and appreciate the diverse religious belief systems of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago,” the minister said.
Gopeesingh said the main objective of Comparative Religion is foster tolerance and peaceful coexistence through exposure to other religions and philosophies.
“While not undermining the importance of religious education, the teaching of Comparative Religion is also in keeping with the policy positions of the Ministry of Education, which are included in the Education Policy Paper.”
Gopeesingh said the national curriculum must take into consideration the country's diversity.
Gopeesingh told the conference one of the handicaps in teaching religion in schools is the lack of volunteers.
Gopeesingh said the main objective of Comparative Religion is foster tolerance and peaceful coexistence through exposure to other religions and philosophies.
“While not undermining the importance of religious education, the teaching of Comparative Religion is also in keeping with the policy positions of the Ministry of Education, which are included in the Education Policy Paper.”
Gopeesingh said the national curriculum must take into consideration the country's diversity.
Gopeesingh told the conference one of the handicaps in teaching religion in schools is the lack of volunteers.
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