August 11, 2008

Go to school
Opening schools later in the year is unnecessary ("Children face risk of dehydration - doctors", Gulf News, August 6).
As a parent, I disagree with the notion of delaying the academic calendar. I believe some parents are too tired to take on the responsibility of getting up early and sending their children to school, especially during Ramadan.
Additionally, children are already spending three months at home and research shows that they tend to forget a considerable portion of what they had learnt during the previous academic year.
There is the advantage of reduced school hours during Ramadan and moreover, fasting is not obligatory for young children, so they are not required to fast if they feel they cannot cope.
From Mr Hamid Saeed
Dubai

Unaffected by heat
I think the Ministry of Education decision to open schools as per the usual schedule is in the interest of pupils, as they would not lose out on their studies. All the talk about dehydration and excessive heat will not really affect them when they are in school. This is because all schools in the UAE are air conditioned, so the environment in Ramadan is the same as the rest of the year. However, a change in school timings during the month would be welcome. Instead of 8 am to 1 pm, school hours could run from 7 am to 12 pm.
From Mr Chetan Elkunchwar
Ras Al Khaimah

Extended Holiday
I believe the holiday period for schools should be extended by at least two weeks, as this would allow the hottest days of summer to pass before they return school. There is no point punishing the children or saying that they have to learn how to deal with the heat. Schools should be closed during Ramadan, as children, parents and teachers waste a lot of time with classes being run for just four hours a day.
From Mr Jayraj B.
Dubai
Full name withheld by request

Teach children
I agree with the Ministry of Education decision to start the academic year on time. Ramadan is a month where we fast, pray, help each other and sacrifice a lot of our luxuries. Charity begins at home, hence it is our duty to pray and fast during this month. Schools start early and end before noon. How ever, postponing the academic year by one month for Ramadan is not a good solution.
From Mr Glen Vitus
Dubai

Give us a break
I think it is important for schools to extend the summer break so that we are able to spend more time for spiritual devotion. I am sure during religious occasions, many countries are able to manage with a shorter academic year, so why can't we? Perhaps schools can open late and close later next year so that students are given a shorter summer break. This would be better, since they would not be fasting at the time.
From A Reader
Ajman
Name with held upon request

Add value to time
Closing schools during Ramadan does not make any sense, as pupils would have no activities to occupy them during that time. Therefore, it would be a very dull period for them in terms of doing something productive or rewarding academically. Additionally, school hours are shorter in Ramadan, which is beneficial. Instead of closing schools, optional classes could be held, in which pupils could be taught about Ramadan and participate in charity programmes. This could help add value to the time they spend in school.
From Mr Ayaz Wahab
UAE

Fight animal cruelty
I express my gratitude and admiration to the Ministry of Environment and Water and congratulate Gulf News for its efforts to publish news related to the cause of animal welfare ("UAE to impose Dh20,000 fine for animal cruelty", Gulf News, August 3).
I urge Gulf News to continue lending an ear to readers, as our participation and opinions would be extremely useful for the improvement of laws and education in the society.
From Ms Yasmin H.
Dubai
Full name withheld by request

Mishandled crisis
The stampede at Naina Devi temple in India that killed and injured scores of pilgrims has once again raised the debate for an effective management system to deal with natural or accidental catastrophes ("Grim search among rows of bodies after India temple stampede', Gulf News, August 5).
Deaths due to unnatural causes such as the stampede could have been prevented and the panic could have been reduced through effective safety measures.
It is therefore essential for the administration to come up with special crisis management plans, along with basic and much-needed facilities.
From Mr Nanjil Nadan
Dubai

Mosque needed
Many high-rise buildings have come up in Al Mamzar area in Sharjah and several residents are gradually moving into this area.
However, although there are small prayer rooms in the locality, there is an urgent need for a bigger mosque, especially for Friday prayers.
I hope the authorities will give some serious thought to establishing one for the convenience of residents.
From Mr Mohammad Fahim
Sharjah

Space for smokers
The new ban on smoking in public parks is much appreciated, but I think the authorities should provide special smoking areas in public places ("Dubai to stub out smoking in public parks", Gulf News, August 5).
This would help smokers avoid breaking the rules. I think the best way to stop residents from smoking is by banning tobacco products in the country.
From Mr Subair Mattanur
Dubai

Deadly habit
It is definitely better to use shock tactics to convince smokers to quit the deadly habit ("Shock tactics 'only way to make UAE smokers quit habit'", Gulf News, August 5).
In many countries, I have come across public service advertisements that are very shocking to see.
If a person comes across such posters, he or she often passes on the message to a loved one, and many people ask their doctors for advice on how to quit smoking.
Using shock tactics is a great idea. I hope it works in the UAE.
From Ms Sierry Ann Mae
Sharjah

Keep quiet
The rhetoric that Iran is bluffing is surely not for real, and the West knows it well ("Iran refuses to give clear answers on nuclear offer", Gulf News, August 6).
However, in today's political situation, oil plays a key role. Key politicians such as US Vice-President Dick Cheney raise the issue of Iran whenever oil prices take a breather.
Consequently, oil prices again climb to their desired level. I think Iran should keep quiet, as the more it ignites the issue; the more the West projects it as a villain.
From Mr Dawoodi Morkas
Pakistan

Bad service
Recently, I went to a fast food outlet in a mall in Ajman and had a horrible customer service experience. At the counter, the server was extremely rude.
She kept me waiting for a long time and even refused to give me back my change. It was humiliating, to say the least. Is this what the level of service has come down to?
I urge fast food franchises to please train their staff, especially when it comes to handling cash.
I realised standing at the counter that it was not worth arguing, as it was a complete waste of time.
From Ms Lubna Tanveer
Sharjah