The caste system is outdated and should not be tolerated (India caste discrimination in the spotlight after teen gang-rape, June 4). It's horrifying that two young girls were raped and then hung from a tree. My heart goes out to all the villagers and the parents of the victims.
Talking about “class”, I myself come from a very wealthy, upper-class family in Europe and had all the privileges thrown onto me from birth, but after I turned 11, I resolved to help those who are not as fortunate as me. So, I often visit India and other countries as a volunteer to help, educate and finance projects.
If we do not help the “underclass”, who are born in a different situation, and stop people from harming individuals, we do not deserve any fortune coming our way.
Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi
Training teachers is good, but role of parents more vital
It is good to know that teachers will have to take a training course, pass a test and obtain a licence before setting foot in a classroom (New licensing system for teachers, June 4). I agree that teachers employed in the UAE should be well qualified and experienced, including experience in the Gulf, so as to understand the culture here. But there should also be an emphasis on educating the expatriate and local population, especially parents, so that they will understand their role as the most important one in their family.
Children spend more time with their parents than at school and their parents know them better than teachers may do. Please do not put too much responsibility on schools and teachers. Educate the population and they will educate themselves.
Plant a tree and show someone how to care for it and the tree will flourish and produce good fruit. Plant a tree and forget about it and it will die.
Bob Toms, Abu Dhabi
My husband is a qualified teacher. The criteria for his job was more than being a native English speaker. He is a tenured professional who was properly vetted before any offer became binding.
His college transcripts (marks and grades) were checked and both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees had to be verified.
He also has a valid teaching certificate issued in the US. He was asked for several letters of recommendation from previous employers and receives at least two reviews a year from his current employer.
I understand that there are some teachers in the UAE who just have a bachelor’s degree and that their English speaking ability is limited, but the movement towards more qualified professionals has already taken place. Now the Ministry of Education needs to turn it’s attention to the education system.
Tamara Thomas Clarke, Abu Dhabi
Stock price surge reflects sentiment
Reclassification by MSCI and the price surge reflect sentiment rather than fundamentals (UAE stock markets buzz with activity on day one of MSCI upgrade, June 2). This doesn't require particular expertise to understand. For institutional investors with positions in the market, this is the "book profits" phase of the investment cycle.
The market is thin and the selling will quickly push prices down again, presenting another “buy cheap” opportunity. Sounds simplistic? It is.
Speculators who join the bull-run behind the curve fund the profits made by those who are riding the wave. Remember Warren Buffett’s advice: “Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy only when others are fearful?”
Prodeep Mookerjee, Dubai
Patients must get a clear message
I am commenting on the news report Patients use hospital ER units 'like a supermarket, June 4). I've been a doctor in South Africa, where we face the same problem: overcrowding of emergency rooms by non-emergency patients.
We stick to a rather strict triage system where the most severe cases are seen first – within 20 minutes – and the less severe later.
In this manner, you tell non-emergency patients that “you’ll be seen, but only when we have time for you”.
Andre Barnard, South Africa
Maleficent won’t disappoint you
Maleficent is an awesome movie (Film review: Maleficent, May 29). Angelina Jolie delivered a great performance as Maleficent. Disney provided an interesting twist to this childhood story. I didn't know what to expect going into it, but was pleasantly surprised.
Jolie did a perfect job as Maleficent. Both my children, 8 and 4, enjoyed the film. A must see.
Wasim Momin, Dubai
