The Ministry of Labour's training project deserves appreciation (Workers trained at home, November 24). This is a win-win move that will benefit the UAE through increased productivity and efficiency of workers, as well as labourers who will end up with a qualification/ certification that would be recognised internationally. My only concern is this: how to prevent malicious employers from charging the training cost to those workers.
A solid control process should be implemented to protect the rights of workers. That said, I can only congratulate the authorities for working hard to make the UAE a better place to work for all classes, nationalities, gender and ages.
Nabil N, Abu Dhabi
An honest report on Transnistria
John Henzell's report on Transnistria is excellent, and the most honest I have read in years (Journey to Transnistria, a country that doesn't officially exist, November 24).
As a westerner, I have crossed the borders into Transnistria about 60 times and I have never once been asked for money. They actually fire the border guards that do it, hence it never happens anymore, and it’s the only border crossing in eastern Europe I can vouch for.
Also the standard of English spoken in Transnistria is higher than in neighbouring countries, despite the obvious disadvantage of being native Russian speakers. Tiraspol has an English-language secondary school. There is a joke that US journalists visit Tiraspol to practise their English.
It has always struck me how calm and pragmatic the Transnistrians have been in dealing with it.
Finally, one thing western reports rarely mention, let alone focus on, is the will of the people. I estimate 97 per cent of the people in Transnistria seek independence. That’s enough of a vote for me.
Des Grant, Ireland
Saving Arabic will need effort
I agree that Arabic should be the language of instruction in schools (Arabic must be the main language in UAE education, FNC hears, November 24). However, when I saw the condition of Arabic-language teachers and schools that use Arabic as a medium of instruction, I realised that they were not suitable for my children. I was aware that by allowing them to attend an Arabic school, I would compromise their education.
If we want Arabic to survive, we will have to address the core issues.
First, it’s important to ensure that Arab teachers are competent.
Second, teachers must be paid well. One reason why Finland’s education sector is so successful is because teachers are paid as much as doctors. They are also highly respected there.
Third, there’s no genuine concern for standards in curriculum across the subjects taught in Arabic. This must be looked at.
Finally, it’s crucial to ensure that schools are run as education institutions, and not as businesses.
Tina Saad, Abu Dhabi
No place for those on budget
With reference to the editorial Dubai cannot thrive if most can't afford it (November 25), I wonder where people who cannot afford expensive accommodation are expected to live. After all, most people come to this wonderful country to improve their lives. Don't they deserve to live comfortably?
Irshad Valli, Dubai
Dubai has positioned itself as a high-end destination. The whole brand revolves around luxury and expensive items. There is no room for budget accommodation for low-income earners.
That’s not part of the image that Dubai has created.
John Paravalos, Dubai
The condition in Abu Dhabi is the same, but in the capital there is no rent cap or any organisation like the Real Estate Regulatory Agency.
Name withheld by request
