Letters from the past

Gulf News looks back over the years at concerns and issues raised by readers in their letters to the newspaper. It's a retrospective that offers an insight into the community, the development of the country and the people. This week's letters are from 1983.

The bright future
Shaikh Zayed once said "modern scientific and technological education is the best and only alternative to our oil in future". The education policy of the country under his guidance reflects the cultural values of the Arabs, allows equal opportunities to all citizens, prepares the individuals for a practical life, and promotes international understanding in social, cultural, scientific and economic fields.

He once said: "Money is of no value unless it is used for the benefit of the people. Allah has bestowed this wealth upon us, it is our duty, in thanking Him, to utilise this wealth in reforming the country in bringing prosperity to its people by building a society where education, medical care, house and food are available to every individual in our society."

In 1965 there were only around 17 schools in all the emirates. Shaikh Zayed allocated Dh50 million to design hospitals and schools and a welfare programme. A tentative programme was formulated. Officials went to the people to explain the need for education. Schools teach children in the morning and turn into adult education centres in the evenings.

By 1979, the number of schools rose to 297, with 109,436 students and 8,255 teachers. In 1980, the number of students was 125,767, and there were 322 schools with 9,611 teachers. In 1981 there was an increase in the strength of students to 143,940, schools to 362 and teachers to 10,991.

Minister of Education Saeed Salman said: "An educated society is a vital prerequisite for any country about to step into the industrialised world. Without trained and skilled citizens, all aspirations for full control over the industrialised and commercial sectors of the economy must be set aside.

To meet this challenge, Shaikh Zayed and the government of the UAE have made a large allocation of funds for the education sector, and today schooling is available throughout the country from kindergarten to university level, compulsory until the end of secondary school, and this is open to the boys and girls alike."

The efforts continue. Shaikh Zayed said: "There is no end to the work that can be completed by any human being in this world, because positive work is a continuous process."
From A Reader
UAE

Fake world should end
I refer to an article in Gulf News regarding spurious products (January 6, 1983). Almost every item is available in duplicate including food items, electronics, watches, toothpaste, soap, perfumes, lipsticks and even life-saving medicines.

These items are brought by merchants who have connections with manufacturers in places like Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore. Some of them even have offices in these places. They take undue advantage of the liberal import laws. There are merchants who are engaged in importing only spurious products of well-known brands.

They have become rich overnight at the expense of the rich and poor people alike. This is an unpardonable crime against the nation. The public must also keep the authorities informed about spurious items when they come across them. This will go a long way in bringing the culprits to book.

The foreign suppliers of genuine goods can also help in eradicating this crime by deputing their representatives to this market for periodic checks of their products stored in retail and wholesale shops and analysing them.
From A Reader
UAE

Glamour causes accidents
The increasing number of fatal car accidents on Al Ittihad Road has caused concern among motorists. I understand from the newspaper that experts are studying the design and layout of the road in general and construction in particular to provide safer traffic.

One evening, while going to Sharjah, I was stunned to see the numerous billboards with glittering colours close to the road. These glamorous publicity boards cause a sort of drowsiness, and the reflection of glittering paint produces bad eyesight.

On several occasions one finds it very hard to see the right lane, the curves, and pitches on the road. I do believe these publicity boards are causing serious unexplainable psychological uneasiness among motorists and thus a reason for accidents.
From Mr Asokan
Dubai