Suddeutsche Zeitung

Munich, December 6, 2005

Learning studios infiltrated by Scientology

Sects and Psychogroups set their sights on students

by Roswitha Feger-Risch

Eight years of gymnasium (secondary preparatory school) is too difficult for many students. Therefore learning studios and homework monitors are experiencing a boom. But others, including sects, psychogroups and the controversial Scientology organization are taking advantage of this demand to spread their teachings through tutoring institutions. "We are working to establish ourselves in this area," stated Sabine Weber, press person for Scientology Bavaria, located in Munich.

Many parents would like their child to get a matriculation certificate in the hopes that it will improve chances for a job. Meanwhile more than a quarter of students get tutoring or other extra study help, according to the Bavarian State Youth Office.

Learning studios associated with sect-like organizations take advantage of these parent's ambitions. They often recruit by saying that anyone can learn anything as long as the right method is applied. This is a tonic for people who just cannot admit that their child is not a genius.

"The brain is a meatball"

It is not that simple to prove a direct link between Scientology and its institutions. The Donnert Tutoring Academy in Petershausen uses the slogan "Learning with Understanding" in its advertising. However Thomas Donnert will not give any information over the telephone about the learning methods he applies.

Instead he refers us to Scientologist Johann Altendorfer in Munich. Whoever wants to learn about education from Scientology in Bavaria won't miss Altendorfer. Renate Kluss, proprietress of the Kluss Learning Studio in Freising, verified that she does use the methods of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. Like Donnert, though, she refuses to give any more information, but refers people to Altendorfer.

Wilfried Busse, proprietor of a learning studio in Munich, speaks openly about the methods he applies. He is even in possession of a "study technology" license from L. Ron Hubbard. "The only thing that really works is what comes from Hubbard," Busse states and is openly dubious about scientific findings such as the varying functions of the left and right halves of the brain. "That's a bunch of nonsense. The brain is a meatball, nothing more." Busse says his clients include tax consultants, attorneys and academic candidates.

Unobtrusive Names

[...]

Advertisements from learning studios managed by Scientologists arouse no suspicion at first glance. The companies include unobtrusive names like Learning Studio or Learning Center. Signs of membership in Scientology are carefully avoided. Nevertheless their are several characteristics that don't fit those of a serious offer.

Proposed Seal of Approval

According to the Scientology crisis counseling center of the Bavarian State Youth office, unrealistic promises of success should be viewed with caution. "We do not all have the same talents as each other, even if we sometimes think we do," said the counselor. Questionable learning methods are often talked up as a solution for all learning problems. The customer is told that any subject can be successfully learned. "Study technology," for example, dictates that all words not understood be looked up. Unclear concepts are supposed to be worked out in clay figures. Any subject is supposed to be able to be learned this way.

The safe thing to do before signing a contract with a tutor or a learning studio, recommended the Scientology crisis counselor, is to have them sign a "protection statement." This statement verifies that the studio does not instruction according to the methods of L. Ron Hubbard.

It has not escaped the Culture Ministry that Scientology is putting an increased effort into approaching children via learning studios. Interior Minister Gunther Beckstein indicated the danger of this in the 2004 Constitutional Protection report, as a consequence of which the Culture Ministry sent a warning letter to all school principles in Bavaria.

In July of this year Bavarian state representative Forian Ritter proposed a seal of approval for tutoring studios. "The Ministry is working out the rules necessary to put this seal of approval into effect," said Ritter. ... Results are expected in several weeks.

==== Feisty

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