Scientology, teaching methods and low literacy rates questioned in Parliament

Staff Reporters/

Apia, Samoa – 25 January 2025 – Scientology as a belief system and its impact on teaching methodology in Samoa’s education system came under scrutiny in Parliament over the last two days.

The impact of scientology in the local education system was raised by the MP for Falealili, Toelupe Pou Onesemo who expressed concern over the education system given it contradicts with Christian principles and beliefs.

The Minister of Education, Seuula Ioane told Parliament that scientology was adopted by Samoa, Tonga and other island countries through an American who taught in American Samoa and saw the potential of its teaching methodologies to Pacific Island students.

As a belief system, Scientology focuses on the relationship between the spirit and the physical body and holds that a human is an immortal, spiritual being that is resident in a physical body.

According to Minister Seuula, several Samoan teachers and educators have attended training under Scientology programs overseas.

Former Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi whose government accepted scientology into Samoa when he was in power, said the belief system has nothing to do with Christianity.

“They offered fully funded educational programs in Samoa after they were vetted by our educational experts that they were credible,” said Tuilaepa.

“We have people worshipping traditional gods such as Tagaloa in Samoa,” Tuilaepa explained, “and we send our students to be educated in China which is (predominantly) not a Christian country.”

Opposition MP, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi, questioned the fading literacy rates for Samoan students over the years and he asked if it had to do with the teaching methodology. He compared to the past when many current MPs were in school, there was a very high rate of literacy as the church ministers were very active in teaching reading using the Samoan Bible.

“If it is the methodology, maybe we need to look at changing it,” said the MP.

The Minister of education, Seuula Tu’uau who is himself a career teacher before entering politics, confirmed the literacy rate for Samoan students have been sliding over the years.

“But it’s now shifting slightly upwards…between 50 and 68 percent,” he said.

He acknowledged that the informal education system spearheaded by the Aoga Faife’au – the church ministers in the villages offering reading and mathematics that the older generations education came through with high literacy and numeracy rates. The faifeaus also induced strict disciplines using the mautofu – a long thin wooden branch the faifeau used for physical punishment.

Seuula emphasized that education is a collective effort but today, young people are exposed to technology and so many changes that really need the parents input rather than leaving it to the teachers alone.  He also emphasized improving the literacy rates will not happen overnight and will take time.

The Deputy Prime Minister, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio told Parliament that the issue of scientology is currently under Cabinet review in relation to its impact on Samoa’s education system.