Religion is important. It helps to understand other people. Aleksandra Sooniste is a teacher. She studied religious knowledge in Estonia.
In Estonian schools, there is no subject on religion. Students learn it a little in other classes. But this is not enough. Sooniste asked 400 students about religion. The results were poor.
Students knew little. For example, Ramadan is important for Islam. This was actually known to few. Few knew the holy day of the Jews. Many thought that Jesus was born in Athens.
Students also learn about religion from the media. There is a lot of false information there. Schools should teach better. Young people would like to learn more about religion. 70% thought that religious education would help to live together peacefully.
Real people help to understand religion. For example, meeting real Muslims changed opinions.
Sooniste recommends having at least one religious course in every school. This would help students understand the world. Religion is part of culture. Without it, many things remain incomprehensible.