We all see inadequacies or issues in our communities sometimes – perhaps a pothole in the road, or polluted surroundings. But not all of us do something about it.
Every month, community reporters highlight civic issues that need addressing, or share their views on global events that have local impact. April was no different.
First place this month goes to the report, “Parents responsible for children’s demeanour”, by Faran Dilshan Qureshi. It was published on April 4. The reader raises a completely valid point, asking parents to monitor their children when they play in parking lots. With summer coming up, children are going to be out of school and yearning to expend their energy any which way they can. While letting them run riot in the residential building corridors or the building parking lot comes with its own share of risks and hazards, it is a common sight in most areas around the country. But what happens when your child becomes a threat to public or private property? After all, cricket balls are not meant to be hurled at parked vehicles. Qureshi asks parents to take the lead, by teaching children civic sense, courtesy and a sense of responsibility towards other people’s property. It goes a long way in child development, according to child behavioural therapist James Lehman, who wrote in a blog post at empoweringparents.com: “When kids develop personal responsibility, it gives them their best chance of avoiding many of the pitfalls of life that await them if they’re not careful. If they’re not aware of what’s going on and ready to take responsible action to deal with it, it makes them less able to deal with problems that surface as they get older.”
Second place goes to the report, “Recycle bins are not for dumping trash”, by Aaron Fernandes. It was published on April 11. An excellent piece of reporting, the reader spots recycle bins being used as trash cans, for wasted or spoiled food. The reader raises two important issues with his report. Firstly, he talks about the gross misuse of public facilities that are, in fact, meant to encourage residents to be more environmentally conscious. Secondly, he highlights the wastage of food, which is a global problem. About 1.3 billion tons of food are wasted every year, according to the US-based non-profit organisation Food Tank. Ironically, food waste generates 3.3 billion tons of carbon dioxide, which accelerates global climate change – so throwing it in a recycle bin of all places, is definitely not the way to go.
Third place goes to the report, “Presenting a homemade solution to water crisis in many countries”, by Ariba Shahid Siddiqui. It was published on April 21. Around 54 per cent of India faces ‘high to extremely high’ water stress, according to the World Resources Institute. With Himalayan glaciers expected to melt to a fifth of their current levels by 2035, there is much to be done to battle the growing water crisis in the Subcontinent and around the world. That’s why, the reader’s innovative solution of a homemade water purifier, made from easily available things like sand, cloth and charcoal, is worth highlighting. Even as the world sees crises and disasters, the spirit of hope is kept alive through young people’s drive to make a worthwhile difference in their community.
Are there similar issues in your communities, or people who are making a difference, in small but significant ways? Write in at readers@gulfnews.com.
PROFILES
First: Faran Dilshan Qureshi
Published on April 4, 2016
Faran Dilshan Qureshi, a business owner based in Sharjah, raised concern over children playing in parking lots.
He said: “This habit is dangerous for the children and the residents of the area. I have scratches on my car and one day I noticed a football print, too. To be on the safe side, I once parked my car a little further away. But, as it was in a deserted area, someone broke into my car and stole something. Either way I lost something.”
When he spoke to the children, Qureshi says they would either leave the premises temporarily or stand their ground and argue with him. Additionally, they have apparently started targeting his vehicle.
He said: “I hope this issue is sorted out. I even contacted the authorities once, but they asked me to visit a police station and show them the scratches.”
Second: Aaron Fernandes
Published on April 11, 2016
Aaron Fernandes, a student based in Dubai, wrote about recycle bins being used as trash cans.
He said: “Being an avid Gulf News community reader, I feel this is a really good platform for young writers, such as myself, to raise their voices regarding important community issues, which then gets a lot of recognition from the wider community. I received a positive response to my report. Some people even approached me and told me that they now throw their garbage in the correct designated bins.”
Fernandes says he is very passionate about the environment and wants to help it in “any way possible”.
Third: Ariba Shahid Siddiqui
Published on April 21, 2016
Ariba Shahid Siddiqui, a student based in Abu Dhabi, dreams of working towards reducing poverty, world hunger and the number of deaths caused by impure water supply.
She said: “Community reports are an amazing platform to get messages, especially about the environment, across to people. This platform is like a bridge, it has connected me to thousands of people at once. It is often really hard to go to every person trying to convey your idea. After people read such reports, they will try to implement the ideas in their daily lives. It inspires others to work for the community.
“After my report was published, I’ve got many positive responses from people around me. They were all pleased with my work and hope that more young people spread awareness and serve the community.”
— Profiles compiled by Rabab Khan/Community Interactivity Editor
