Balanced approach
I read with reservation an article on the dawn of digital curriculum in well-known schools in Dubai (‘Gems Modern Academy launches digital curriculum,’ Gulf News, May 26). Although the approach to teaching using digital means is considered current and modern, total dependence of students will deprive them of the benefits of the treasure called ‘books’. We know that the human brain has limited capacity for retention. Referring to and forth to any specific subject requires the help of books. Secondly, it is not the means of reaching an efficiency level that is important, it is the foundation, the roots that are essential. This is possible only when basic concepts on any subject are made strong so that they last. Again, this can only be done through books. I have been teaching in the current modern environments using computers and a well laid out syllabus. The results of O and A levels were remarkable. I would request the concerned teachers to follow a balanced approach so as not to shatter the confidence of students in senior classes. We cannot afford to gamble on their lives in the name of digitalisation.
From Mr Arif Zaki
Dubai
Companies to provide housing
This is really weird (‘Dubai bachelors living in villas targeted by municipality’ Gulf News, May 27). Why don’t the authorities make a rule that all expatriates in the UAE should be given accommodation by the companies who hire them? I feel that this would save a lot of yearly inspection duties and benefit people living in pathetic conditions. Every company has a break up of accommodation, transportation and basic necessities costs in the salary package, so the company can house them as graded.
From Mr Bharat
Abu Dhabi
Website comment
Can’t afford rent
What about people who earn a salary of Dh3,000 a month? Where will we stay if this policy of one person per room is implemented? Low wages is why people resort to room sharing. With our salary package we can afford a maximum house rent of Dh500 per month. We need to send money back home because we have families to look after. We cannot afford to pay Dh2,000 a month on rent. The authorities need to consider this aspect of workers with low salaries.
From A Reader
Dubai
Website comment
Name withheld by request
Wrong timing
It is very sad that the authorities are pushing bachelors out of shared accommodation during summer. This step during the winter months would be more convenient for people to find accommodation. Most people go on vacation in summer but now they will have to stay back and arrange accommodation first.
From Mr Redlee
Dubai
Website comment
Right decision
Kerry has it right (‘John Kerry: US effort in Palestine peace process renewed,’ Gulf News, May 27). The four billion investment plan is just what is needed in Palestine. Economic determinism is still the reliable yardstick to sort out history. Though we do not live by bread alone, we cannot live without bread. Economic forces do shape our lives and the lives of our communities - far more than politics or prevailing beliefs.
From Mr Kafantaris
Ohio, United States
Website comment
Election rigging
The voter turnout of 55.4 per cent during the May 11 election of Pakistan has been recorded the highest in the political history of the country. In the province of Punjab it was even higher - 60 per cent. A huge number of Pakistanis overseas flew back to their country just to cast their votes. The women voters seen on the polling stations were also a surprise element. The youth and the so called elite of the society who were rated as the most disinterested people in the community also went out to vote in spite of the security risks. But the question here is: why were all these first time voters disappointed with the election process and the results? What they all have seen and heard on the Election Day cannot be part of a fair and free election. All time voters are urging them that they and their political party should have had enough potential, both physical and verbal, to stop this injustice happening in front of their eyes. So this means that using unfair and illegal tactics are not objectionable, but our incapacity to handle this on personal and individual front, our honesty and our actions based on justice are objectionable. Is this the democratic transition we are providing? Is it the duty of the voter or the prime responsibility of the election commission and the judiciary of Pakistan to provide its voter a fair voting process? Who will answer these questions and more importantly when?
From Mr Khaula Shahbaz Rao
Dubai
Don’t kill crows
This is in reference to remarks from Shamim Ahmad from Al Mobidoon Pest Control Services that in India, we have permission to kill crows if they cause serious problems (‘Crows destroying Dubai’s native bird species,’ Gulf News, May 24). I am doubtful about his statement. However, even if it is true, we all know that crows are scavengers by nature. They have a prominent role in biological food chain. I think we need to protect this species as well.
From Mr Rejimon Pankajakshan
UAE
Dangerous crows
Crows need to be exterminated before they take over the skies like they already have in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. We much prefer sparrows, starlings and parakeets. Crows also spread diseases.
From Mr Leslie John
Dubai
Website comment
Increasing number of crows
I have been living in Dubai since 1997. Initially I rarely saw crows, just sometimes one or two around the Deira Creek or in Bur Dubai. But now I see crows even in the populated areas of Deira. Two weeks ago, I was in my car waiting for a friend, when I noticed a crow drop a young nesting bird on to the footpath. I guess it was a pigeon. The crow then killed it and started to eat the little bird. Then it just flew away. I felt bad for the bird. I am not sure if this is how Nature is or are the crows really a problem?
From Mr Nasir Khan
Dubai
Editor’s note: What do you think of this page and the content featured on it? How can we change and improve? Share your views on the newspaper’s content with us on readers@ gulfnews.com or Facebook page. Follow us on our tumblr and Twitter account of @GNReaders
