I believe that the resignations of Emirati schoolteachers is a pressing issue for society (Emirati teachers resigning due to low motivation and pay, FNC told, June 15). With rising costs of living and dwindling benefits many expatriate teachers are leaving the country.
The gaps that they are leaving in the education system are profound and Emiratis must fill these positions. Otherwise, development across the country will be curbed.
Sammie Wai, Dubai
It seems expatriate teachers are leaving the country for the same reasons that Emirati teachers are resigning.
As the report states, one recruiter said reasons for the high number of resignations ranged from teachers not being happy with their housing conditions to feeling undermined by parents and unfairly treated by management. This could become a serious issue.
Name withheld by request
Low pay? Is that really the problem? One of the many reasons we live and work here is the salary. Compare that to the United States and cost of living plus health care costs for a family and both my husband and I need to work to live.
Michelle Stowers Ryker, Dubai
Bravo for reporting this story. This is a serious topic that needs to be discussed. The Emirati teachers are the future of this country, not expatriates.
Name withheld by request
Public schools need Emirati teachers because they know the culture and understand the history of the country.
Najla Daair, Sharjah
Diasabled Iraqis deserve a voice
I was very surprised to see the term "deaf and dumb" in an article about disabled Iraqis in Fallujah (Running away with hoarded food, ISIL is losing the battle for Fallujah, June 17).
This is an offensive, archaic term that certainly does nothing to overcome the existing stereotypes about special needs individuals who live across the world.
When referring to deaf individuals who do not speak, please use the more appropriate and precise term, “deaf mute,” in the future.
Jessica Fuller, Dubai
Be careful with your money
With regards to investment traps (UAE expats count the cost after falling into investment trap, June 17), I'm amazed at the hard sell for financial instruments from banks and investment fund managers here.
It is no wonder so many expats are in debt or leave without clearing debt. I’m happy enough that my bank will give me a car loan or a personal loan if I go in and ask about it, but stop calling me every week trying to get me to borrow money, or to take out more than the amount that I need.
I work hard for my money – I won’t pay for financial services that I can survive without.
Ann Scholl, Dubai
This is why I list bank phone numbers in my phone as “do not answer”. If you truly believe that giving money to a stranger on the phone is better than learning how to invest your money yourself, you probably deserve the results.
James De Vile, Abu Dhabi
Just plan a smart budget and stick to it. We need to avoid the temptation of money for nothing.
Mathew Litty, Dubai
Name-calling extremists
I am writing about HA Hellyer's latest column (Naming ISIL's ideology does not help defeat it, June 16). This is a complex subject, because the extremists claim to represent Islam, even though Islamic scholars have clearly shown how they don't follow Islam.
The sad part is depressed people who feel marginalised are drawn to these groups.
If a Canadian group, to pick a random example, was terrorising countries, I would understand calling them Canadian terrorists, and not be offended by calling them that term.
Chris Reid, Dubai
When some extremist groups rose up against a regime that was perceived to be oppressive they were called revolutionists or freedom fighters at least in the western world.
In the Middle East they are known as extremists or terrorists. Whatever we label these groups they are no more than power hungry groups.
Randall Mohammed, Dubai
Let’s just call them what they are: extremists. Take the religion and name-calling out of it. They are extremists.
Carla Botha, South Africa
