Libraries needed
I am a student and I regularly hear from my elders that knowledge is power and reading is the best way to gain knowledge. But I feel ashamed to write that this advice is not being taken seriously by students. My generation [seems to be] interested only in computer games, online chats and television, which bring about no good. These activities are in no way enriching our lives. Through this letter, I request the authorities concerned to set up several libraries with books of all types in both English and Arabic. Although this may appear to be a very tough task, if accorded utmost priority, then this is, indeed, a very healthy task. I request parents to help their children in selecting books. In this way, we can ensure a bright future, which will actually be a result of the information and knowledge gained.
From Ms J. Shobhankita
Dubai

Schools must go green
Students, parents and teachers make up a large section of the population and we all gather together at school. That means we could make a significant impact on the environment by raising awareness about recycling. We can do that by starting a recycling programme at school. Schools produce a lot of garbage. From mounds of paper to soda cans and printer cartridges, the amount of trash coming out of the average school is staggering. Fortunately, much of that garbage can be recycled. By starting environmental activities at schools, we can reduce the amount of rubbish sent to landfills, save energy and raw materials and help tackle climate change.
From Ms Anne Bechler
Dubai

Step in the right direction
The effort to conduct inspections [in schools] to promote healthy lifestyle is highly appreciated (“Dubai schools urged to promote healthy lifestyles”, Gulf News, October 4). When parents send their children to school, the responsibility lies with the school to ensure the safety and health of the little ones. School inspectors are requested to assess transportation facilities — particularly how children board school buses. It is distressing to see small children saddled with heavy bags. In some schools, children even have to trudge some distance to the school gate. Schools have to deploy people to assist children in such instances or must provide locker facilities that allow children to keep their books at school. Only a few books would than have to be taken home each day. It is also necessary to train students about the emergency escape procedure and exits. I also request school authorities to include a check for sanitary facilities provided in the school. Today’s children are tomorrow’s citizens and we have a moral responsibility to give them a safe and healthy environment.
From Ms Shermin Shali
Abu Dhabi

We are in the race together
October 3 was a day of great pride for all Indians (“Commonwealth Games off to grand start”, Gulf News, October 3)! We [India] are hosting the Commonwealth Games. I think there has been too much criticism and negativity about the games in the past few days just because of a few irresponsible people. Such problems occur in all countries hosting international events. It is time for all of us to come out in support of the games. We must join hands and wish all the best to our athletes. We must always remember that ‘united we stand; divided we fall’. Since we are outside the country, I think we have a greater responsibility to see that the image of our country is not tarnished. I’m sure the games will be a tremendous success!
From Ms Kehkashan Basu
Dubai

Shed the negativity
After a lot of criticism, now it is time to cheer for the Commonwealth Games (CWG), as it is a [matter of] national pride and also for the sake of the people who contributed to the preparations. Let’s agree that every coin has two sides and every dark cloud has a silver lining.
From Mr Nair
Dubai

Let’s get on with it
The Commonwealth Games may not be a huge success, but let it proceed as planned. India is hosting the event amid a global economic crisis. So give a big round of applause to India. Please keep in mind the quote by Swami Vivekananda: “In a day, when you don’t come across any problems you can be sure that you are travelling in a wrong path.”
From Mr Shibu
Dubai