CHAPTER 553: CHAPTER 231 BUREAU OF CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS

Colonization is something that needs to be done step by step. Without four or five years, it is impossible for Sigmaringen to establish a foothold locally. With East Africa as a prime example, Prince Karl doesn’t want to simply carry out traditional colonization; new types of colonization are now in vogue.

Of course, the success of this non-traditional colonization method depends on the colonizers’ strength. For instance, the Hohenzollern Prussian line does not follow the path of Heixinggen and Sigmaringen, as Germany itself is a top power.

Heixinggen and Sigmaringen belong to minor princes who don’t rank in Europe, so constructing their own nation in Africa is distinctly more appealing. After all, both families have reached their limits in Europe. The route taken by Ernst in commerce or Sigmaringen in military service requires considerable wisdom.

...

Nairobi City.

"Director, we have investigated and determined that 202 of Street Thirteen in District 2 is where the Italian Culture and Education School is located."

"Hmm, these Italians are truly cunning, putting an illegal education organization in a residential area, thinking they can escape our scrutiny in this way."

"Director, when will we start the arrest operation?"

"There’s no rush. After communicating with the education department and the Bureau of Cultural and Religious Affairs, we will formulate an arrest plan, so continue surveillance without leaking information."

"Yes, Director, I’ll make arrangements over the next few days."

That evening, the Bureau of Cultural and Religious Affairs, the Nairobi Police Department, and the Nairobi City Education Department reached a consensus on combating illegal cultural dissemination.

"Cultural and religious fields are highly emphasized by the central government. Nairobi has many former Italians, but they are now Germans. Among a large population, all kinds of people exist, so it’s normal for some citizens to be seduced. Maintaining the central status of German culture is our unrelenting collective responsibility."

It’s not that East Africa doesn’t allow the existence of multiculturalism. In terms of customs, East Africa is quite diverse, with the government mainly guiding.

However, in East Africa, the intentional dissemination of other cultures, especially the establishment of educational institutions for illegally spreading languages other than German, crosses East Africa’s red line.

The issue of language is the most unwavering area within East Africa’s entire cultural domain. As long as the language is unified, the culture dependent on multiple languages will naturally dissolve.

"Thus, the government is quite concerned about Nairobi. No other city, like Nairobi, gathers so many Italians. We will stay in Nairobi for a period until the cleanup is completed."

The meeting was evidently led by the Bureau of Cultural and Religious Affairs, with the police system providing support, while the education system was largely there for numbers.

The next day.

"Knock knock..."

"Who is it?"

"Mr. Oscar, hello, I’m Hans from the City Police Department."

"Officer Hans, may I ask what you need?"

"Hehe, Mr. Oscar, no need to pretend. Your illegal educational institution has been exposed. Do you want us to come in and see for ourselves?"

"Well..."

While Oscar was still hesitating, Hans signaled his subordinates to restrain him, then said, "Don’t be nervous, Mr. Oscar, your matter can be big or small. If you cooperate with us, we won’t make it too difficult for you."

Upon hearing this, Oscar indeed gave up his desire to resist. His actions at most constitute illegality, not criminal activity. After all, his Italian Culture and Education School is entirely a non-profit institution.

Despite this, East African law clearly prohibits unauthorized schooling, and East Africa naturally doesn’t issue certificates for educational institutions that spread languages other than German. Hence, Oscar’s legal violation would, in other countries, result in a hefty fine. However, considering the income situation of East African citizens, the government is not inclined to use this method to increase revenue.

Hans entered Oscar’s residence, which contained about a dozen small tables with around ten children sitting at them, evidently Oscar’s students.

The police have quite a deterrent effect on schoolchildren since disobedient kids are often threatened by parents with remarks like "If you’re disobedient, I’ll have the police take you away."

Seeing the slightly nervous dozen pairs of eyes, Hans coughed, trying to appear amiable, and said, "Hello, children!"

"Hello, Officer!"

"Mm, so obedient. Do you come here for classes every day?"

"We only study here for three hours after school."

"What do you usually study?"

"Italian language and culture."

"Is that so? What have you learned?"

"Italian history, geography, literature, and art..."

Hans noticed the textbooks on the desks were handwritten.

"May I have a look?"

"No problem!"

Hans flipped through these simple textbooks, which should have been handwritten by Oscar himself. It must be said, Oscar’s ability is quite good.

He even cut out many Italian architectural features from the East African National Newspaper, gluing them into these textbooks, and annotating them in detail in Italian. If Oscar were in Italy, he would definitely be a good teacher. Alas, this is East Africa.

After reading the textbooks, Hans stood and said, "Alright, from today onwards, you won’t need to come here for classes."

"Why, Officer?"

"Aren’t you also attending school? The knowledge learned in school is entirely sufficient; there’s no need to continue learning these things. After school, play more with friends or do other things."

"But Officer, our parents will disagree."

Of course, children still tend to be playful, especially when many peers are out playing while they are still attending class, naturally causing some dissatisfaction.

"It doesn’t matter; you just need to tell your parents that the school is no longer open. Officer said it’s unauthorized schooling. Next time, don’t send kids to such places, or Officer will personally talk to them."

"Can this really work?"

"What, don’t you believe the officer? Just explain to your parents; they won’t blame you."

Hans looked at the sky and asked, "Do your parents usually pick you up, or do you go home on your own?"

"Of course, we go home by ourselves!"

"My mother comes to pick me up..."

The security in East Africa can be trusted; not many countries are safer than East Africa during this era, although Hans still has to arrange personnel to send these young ones home.

As for Oscar, he had already been taken back to the office by this time.

"Mr. Oscar, you should know why we detained you!"

Oscar sighed, "Of course."

"Then why did you violate the law?"

"Haha, I feel I haven’t done anything wrong. This might conflict with East African law, but after all, I am Italian, so inheriting Italian culture is very important to me."

"Mr. Oscar, you must be clear about one thing. East Africa is not Italy, and citizens who have acquired East African nationality are no longer Italians. Your statement is entirely unfounded. Moreover, the Kingdom of Italy, the Kingdom of Naples, and the Pope Country still exist; they’re not extinct. Spreading Italian culture is naturally Italy’s responsibility. As a ’German,’ have you obtained consent from the countries on the Italian peninsula?"

This question indeed stumped Oscar, but as a cultural person, Oscar understood the reasons for East Africa’s actions. If he were a German, he would certainly promote his national culture. No, wait! He is now actually a "German"!

Seeing Oscar’s wry smile, the interrogator didn’t trouble him: "Mr. Oscar, since it’s your first offense, we won’t pursue your responsibility. However, we’ve arranged a new job for you in Kisumu City. We hope you’ll enjoy your life in Kisumu City."

East Africa did not penalize Oscar; instead, they relocated his workplace from Nairobi to Kisumu City. As the early capital of the East Africa major district, Kisumu City was built earlier than Nairobi, which is now the capital of South Prussia Province. Therefore, Kisumu City is entirely populated by Germans and Chinese immigrants, so Oscar will have no chance to open an Italian school there.

The Bureau of Cultural and Religious Affairs stayed in Nairobi for three months. Collaborating with the Nairobi police, apart from closing down three illegal educational institutions, they also dismantled twelve "cult" organizations.

Since the Bureau of Cultural and Religious Affairs includes the term "religious," societal oversight of unauthorized religious activities is a critical function, exceeding the fight against illegal education.

East Africa also has churches, but their governing body is the Bureau of Cultural and Religious Affairs, not the Roman papacy on the Italian peninsula, significantly differing from European countries.