Letters: December 6, 2009

Increasing awareness

In the recent past, regretfully, not many discussions and awareness campaigns have been initiated regarding Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or Aids ("Focus must shift in HIV fight", Gulf News, December 1). People's perception of the medical condition has changed considerably and they now treat it in a casual manner. To me, the spread of HIV and Aids can be prevented by increasing awareness among the public. This should be done on a regular basis, not just on particular occasions such as World Aids Day. In Africa, the number of HIV-related cases is on the rise every day, mainly due to a poor health care system. We must realise that a large number of the population in many African countries require an effective mechanism to counter this situation. Hospitals and clinics should be equipped with advanced facilities and aid workers in order to provide prompt attention on a regular basis. In more developed countries, there isn't much initiative from the public. Mandatory blood checks should be considered, especially among frequent travellers. With a collective effort from governments and health organisations worldwide, the spread of Aids could be controlled.

From Mr Ramachandran Nair Ruwi, Oman

Urgent action required

The climate change conference, which is due to take place in Copenhagen has become a talking point. But while world leaders are very good at holding talks, no action is being taken. A drastic decision is needed now for the sake of saving the planet, which is currently in great danger. Time is running out — if no action is taken, then world leaders will have to face the consequences.

From Mr H. Saif Hash il, Copenhagen, Denmark

Quality is important

Teaching is a noble profession and its quality is very important. Education has become one of the costliest products in the world. The inspection process based on international benchmarks by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai is a pioneering attempt. For the first time, teachers in this region are coming in contact with such levels of examination. As an educator, I am proud of this step. Quality teaching is often difficult to find. The prescriptions of the KHDA are rather misinterpreted by some schools and are described as a ‘burden' by many. Teachers are acquainted with the new technologies available and the managements of many schools have initiated the process of modernising their institutions. Then what is wrong with a good lesson plan, teaching aids and power point presentations? The school sector has really been awakened by the KHDA. School managements should focus on imparting quality education.

From Mr Ajith Kumar, Dubai

Stop honking

This letter is about a very common issue that needs our attention. I always accompany my children to the bus stop for school. When the school bus arrives, and while the children are boarding the bus, motorists waiting in line start honking. We are all educated, cultured residents. Is this the right way to behave, especially when the little ones, who have to go to school early in the morning, are trying to get on to the bus? Once, a young girl slipped and was about to fall off the stairs of the school bus. Luckily, an attendant on the bus saved her. I appeal to impatient motorists to be patient and stop honking, as it confuses the bus driver, too.

From Ms Sophy Aqeel, Sharjah

Intelligence unlimited

Recently, I happened to be with some children in the age group of 10-12 years and among other games, we enjoyed quizzing each other on riddles. It was really a pleasant surprise for me to know that children these days are smart and quite intelligent, with a knack at solving puzzles, while thinking logically. At the same time, they do not lose the element of fun. I observed that their vocabulary is also better in comparison to children who were in their age group a few years ago. They also feel that reading puzzles and finding a solution by themselves helps them improve their knowledge of words. Besides, it makes them think out of the box! The best part is that when their stock of riddles is exhausted, they form their own riddles using their imagination and creativity — and also add some wit to it!

From Mr Bhask ar Nambiar, Abu Dhabi

Precious resource

Recently, we had no water at home for two days. That is when I realised how important water really was. Almost everything I did was related to water. I then thought about people living in countries where water is scarce. How are they surviving? I just want to tell everyone that water is a precious resource, so don't waste it. As the writer and historian Thomas Fuller said, "We never know the worth of water till the well is dry."

From Mr Amogh Seth, Dubai