Better educators
I'm glad that at least Gulf News is paying attention to the problem of teachers with low salaries ("Effects of low wages on UAE teachers worry parents," Gulf News, May 25).
As an ex-teacher of a private school, my basic salary was Dh2,000 which, according to the standard of living in the UAE, wouldn't even allow me to afford a studio flat.
When I first considered a career in teaching I was seriously de-motivated by my parents and peers because of the poor pay packet offered to teachers.
I hope that the education authorities increase the basic salary for teachers and set some standards.
This will allow teachers to grow as educators and not be stuck in the same position for years.
From Ms Safoora Masoud
Dubai
Undervalued
I teach at a prominent university, and have spent quite a bit of time analysing the many reasons for employee dissatisfaction.
By the way, academia, unfortunately, suffers from the same disease. Faculty members are underpaid, not motivated, under-valued and under-appreciated.
Many employers have no career plans for their employees and some do not pay on time.
Many employers do not have the time to communicate professionally or regularly with their subordinates.
Let me explain by saying that most employers practise an "easy come easy go" principle on their employees.
From Dr. Rocky Termanini
Abu Dhabi
Stunts progress
The existing low salary stops many brilliant people from choosing teaching as a profession. Teachers exert more influence in the making of a society than anybody else.
All teachers should be offered a high salary, as a low pay packet can have a negative influence on the quality of education.
At times, it is reasons like these that discourage certain teachers from improving themselves. An absence of quality teachers could stunt the progress of any country.
From Ms Bavitha Vinod
Abu Dhabi
Right facts
Mark Coady should get his facts straight ("Can't have it all", Gulf News, May 22). As a teacher we don't just sit around during the holidays.
We are busy planning lessons for the next term, correcting assessment tasks, attending professional workshops just so that children will benefit.
We organise excursions and tutorials to help pupils. I have four children who also get my time.
To the majority of teachers, your job doesn't end when you leave the school grounds.
From Ms Odette Xinos
Sydney, Australia
Fool's paradise
It is really sad that certain readers feel that the salaries offered to teachers are just.
Agreed, that teachers get as many holidays as students, however, very few are aware of the quantum of work teachers have to do outside their working hours.
It is a shame that there is very little consideration for the teachers who give their heart and soul to the noblest profession.
Sad, but true we are living in a fool's paradise.
From Mr Siddharthi Inamdar
Dubai
Deserving profession
No person of good standing would look for a get-rich-quick scheme. Qualified teachers with professional ethics deserve to be salaried at a slightly higher value.
A teacher's job is not time-bound. It continues after school hours and on a daily basis with homework, class work, class projects and more — for usually 30 or more pupils.
Teachers are skilled with a high level of responsibility and patience, which is essential to nurture young minds.
This is a deserving profession, which is severely undervalued by way of a low pay packet.
From Ms Ineke DSouza
Dubai
No point
I would like to request the relevant authorities to please switch off the newly installed traffic lights at the Al Khail Road and Emirates Road roundabout.
Before the lights were installed it never took more than a few minutes to reach the roundabout from Al Khail road.
Ever since these have been set up, it takes over 20 minutes. What's the point if it creates congestion?
From Ms Asma Iqbal
Dubai
Too hot to handle
Imagine looking for a taxi when the temperature is over 40 degrees Celsius, and finding none.
Few empty taxis refuse to stop. What's more frustrating is trying to take a bus. The wait is at least 40 minutes or more.
When a bus finally arrives, the driver stops passengers from boarding as "standing is not allowed".
I have travelled to many places around the world and have never heard such reasoning.
Can someone from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) please provide an explanation? Calling the customer hotline number is a waste of time.
From Mr Abdul Rahman Ahmad
Dubai
Parks and parking
I couldn't agree more with Mr Tim Miller's letter ("Focus on creamers", Gulf News, May 18). The lack of flavoured coffee creamers is a major problem.
However, an issue of greater concern is a lack of parks in Dubai. There would be fewer cases of obesity amongst children if they had a place to play.
Additionally, there are too many buildings and not enough parking spaces. Introducing multi-storey buildings exclusively for parking would reduce the problem to a great extent.
I request the authorities to kindly look into the matter.
From Mr Paul Tisdale
Dubai
Fight to the finish
I do not think that US Senator Hillary Clinton should quit even though she is hurting the Democratic Party and herself in the process ("Clinton gets 'fair' share of respect," Gulf News, May 20).
She has definitely worked hard and must fight till the end. Race or gender does not qualify anyone for anything; qualification and capability does.
In a world obsessed with race and inequality, I think it is definitely time for America to transform and go past their ignorance.
Barack Obama being the president would hopefully open the minds of the people and set an example for other countries to follow.
From Ms Fahma Muridi
Sharjah
Relieved
I was really satisfied after reading the text alert technology report in Gulf News ("Boy's bus death results in Abu Dhabi text alert technology", Gulf News, May 19).
For days after the death of the schoolboy, I was very disturbed. I have a two-year-old son who will soon be going to nursery.
Following the incident, I was undecided. I even thought of giving up my job, just so I could pick him up and drop him at school.
However, after reading about the new software, I am relieved. The authorities should make it mandatory for all nursery schools to implement this software.
This is really good news for all parents worried about the safety of their children. A big thank you to everyone involved for making an effort and providing a solution!
From Ms Tina Nunes
Abu Dhabi
Different angle
Under World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, export taxes are freely permitted and export controls can be imposed after certain procedures are followed and the controls are justified.
The world food crisis will begin to ease once environmentalists and governments accept the need to have genetically modified seeds.
Countries need to move away from bio-fuels and focus on nuclear power. The world needs to look at the food crisis from a different angle.
From Mr Mohammad Shafe'ei Naqvi
Dubai
