Buddhism Lessons Begin in Berlin Schools

Buddhism lessons began for the first time in Germany in two state-funded Berlin schools on Monday. Pupils at the Schinkel Primary School in the district of Charlottenburg and the John Lennon Secondary School in the district of Mitte may voluntarily take part in the religious teachings. Berlin's school legislation gives all religious and world views the right to provide lessons in state schools. Islamic lessons have been offered in Berlin schools since the last school year. According to the Berlin Buddhist community, up to 5,000 Buddhists live in the capital.