September 29, 2013
Saudi scholarship for militarist Mormon
A Hamilton man has won a five-year scholarship to study in Saudi Arabia.
Elye Parata from Ngati Toa Rangatira has a degree in law and political science from Waikato University, and he’s looking to pick up further qualifications in Arabic, Hebrew and French from King Saud University in Riyad.
The 25-year-old Mormon says he’s studied and taught religion, and believes studying in the kingdom will give him a good understanding of Islam.
Mr Parata, who did his two-year mission in San Diego, has his career mapped out when he finishes.
"I plan on joining the army in the United States and I plan on being a sniper. I’ve always had a great respect and a love for the military and I come from a military background on both sides of my family and I think it’s a thing I need to do for myself, to go out and serve," he says.
He’s looking forward to seeing Saudi Arabia from a Maori perspective.
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