The Ministry of Education had granted the Assemblies of God in Guyana permission to distribute three editions of the Book of Hope to schools in the country. However, the distribution process has not been welcomed by some parents and religions organisations including the Guyana Islamic Trust and the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha as they felt it was being done with the aim of proselytizing. This week we asked the man/woman-in-the street to share their views, which follow, on the distribution of religious materials in the schools.

M. Ally - businesswoman: `I don't have objections to any religion giving any religious materials at schools for educational purpose but not for indoctrination or to convert to another religion. But I do not think that they should be distributed to children to take home. They should be left with the schools, if that is allowed and if the children want then they can go and uplift them. I would not want my children taking home material with religious content from other religions other than mine because of my beliefs. The school to which these materials are distributed should use them to teach or use as examples of other religions and of other cultures. No one would object to distribution of Christian literature or other religious material in schools if it is for educational materials but for religious teachings and moral values that would be another issue.'

Ramdial - self-employed: `I have no objections with anyone teaching Christianity in public schools but the authorities should bear in mind that our schools are a reflection of our society which is multi-religious and multi-ethnic. And if one religion is being promoted everyone will want the same treatment. Years ago religious education only from a Christian perspective, was taught in schools. After government took over all schools, it was stopped. My feeling is that if religions are to be pushed through schools then we must have Hindus, Muslims and Christians being given space to distribute books and preach our own religions in the school. I think it is time that due consideration be given to all or to none.'

Diane Giddings - housewife: `As a Christian I have no objections to the Book of Hope being distributed in schools. As a matter of fact it is good, especially for Hindus and Muslims. I am glad if the children, especially Hindu children and not so much the Muslims as their religion is closer to the Christians, can learn the teachings and values of the Christian faith because to me the Christian religion is the best. Also, I would not allow my children to bring home religious books of other religions, especially those belonging to the Hindus, to my home. I would have a serious problem with that and would most likely ask my children to take them back. I do not have a problem with the Muslim religion because they are closer to Christianity.'

Jaigobin Ramdat - technician: `As a Christian I think that the Book of Hope is one of the best things for school children who could relax and learn good values from them. When children work in school they need to relax but many of us do not know how to relax without listening to music that is blasphemous and not educational at all. If the Christians have taken the initiative, I think that in a like manner, Hindus, Muslims and members of other religions can do the same. I don't think that people should condemn Christians for wanting to share the values of their religion and the Ministry of Education should be commended for that.'

Carolyn Jackson - student: `I have no problem with religious organisation giving books to schools and the schools using it in a manner to educate students. I will take any that I am given to learn about other religions. It will increase my knowledge and probably give me an idea of how other people think. But I will certainly object if I know that these materials are being given with the aim of making me convert to another religion.'

Totaram - joiner: `The distribution of the books in the school is good. Religions to me have no boundaries. I am a Hindu but I have taken part in a number of religious activities including that of the Christians and Muslims. But I would not change my religion for any other though I look at the good things the other religions preach and try to adopt some in my life. I don't go against anything because religions basically preach what they think is good. They only preach it in different forms and at the end of the day is one God we are worshipping. In my days at school I went to Bible Clubs and sometimes I go to crusades. They make me feel good.'

Annie Joe - businesswoman: `The Book of Hope is good for this generation because it brings hope. It is good even for adults. I have no problems with it being distributed in the schools or even if other religions distribute their own literature in schools. It is the teaching that matters and not which God is the real God. The same I will say for the teachings of the Hindus and the Muslims because I believe that they all teach good moral values and believe in a Supreme being.'

Farad Mohamed - private sector employee: `If children know that their parents will not be pleased with literature or religious materials being given out in schools, then they must not accept it. I have no objections with any religion giving any school their books to be used for educational purposes. If they want to give it away free to children they should ask the children to get their parents permission to see if they will accept. There are some issues that will be straightforward in which parents will not object but some things are touchy and people are very protective of them. Religion is one such. So we have to be careful. I don't mind if my children read the books in schools for learning purposes but seriously I would not feel happy with them being brought home unless it is related to school assignments.'

Errol Charles - businessman: `The distribution of the Book of Hope to children in the schools is good. The good book says that if you train the child in the way they should go, they will not depart. I believe in this. However, I do believe that if you distribute Christian books then you have to allow the Hindus and the Muslims to do the same. This I think can cause a problem as the schools will become a rallying ground to gain the attention of children. The ministry will have to put controls on this, such as limiting the materials they accept, or there could be some problems with all religions using the schools.'

Anand - self-employed: `If the Assemblies of God church or Christian religions are looking to public schools to distribute their literature and preach their religion then the Hindus and Muslims must not be left out. Permission must be given to them as well. We live in a multi-religious society so what goes for one must go for all.'