Should school canteens close for Ramadan?

Readers discuss closing school canteens during Ramadan. Other topics: Reem Island dogs, Masafi fire, gifted children and gadget overload.

Readers discuss how schools handle young children’s exemption from fasting. Silvia Razgova /The National

With regard to your story, Parents concerned by move to close school canteens in Abu Dhabi during Ramadan (June 26), I believe this is a case where the schools are going overboard.

Teachers just need to deal with kids eating in front of them because children are not required to fast and it is dangerous for them to do so.

Either the schools should be closed during Ramadan or their canteens should remain open so that the children can eat.

Linda DeGroot-Ewaysi, Abu Dhabi

Most schools have an area for children to bring their own food to eat during Ramadan, so it is not a problem if canteens are closed, but it is polite to those who are fasting.

Karon Al Zaabi, Abu Dhabi

Most people who are not fasting would not eat or drink in front of someone who is, out of respect and politeness.

That’s a choice some people make for themselves. However to force this on young children makes me think something is amiss.

Dave Pryce, Dubai

Animal welfare warrants action

After reading your story about the dogs on Reem Island being fed and watered by volunteers because there are not enough foster homes to house them (Save the Reem 19, animal welfare workers urge, June 27), my reaction is to urge the government to get involved in this issue all across the Emirates.

The UAE’s leaders are big-hearted people who donate huge sums to charitable causes. I believe a small amount allocated to ensure the welfare of animals such as these is warranted.

Shilpa Parmar, Dubai

I would like to adopt one of these dogs but my apartment building does not allow even a quiet cat, let alone dogs.

But I would like to send money to help those who are caring for them. In the meantime, I want to say to these people that you are doing beautiful work.

Name withheld by request

Masafi fire stirs varied views

Your article, Fujairah market shop owners left destitute a month after fire, June 27) made for very sad reading.

Their livelihoods are gone and often they are not rich people, having made a living by selling their wares at the market. I hope help is coming for them very soon.

Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi

It is very sad but it leaves me wondering why they are asking for compensation from the government. Isn’t this what insurance policies are for? Who has Dh15 million worth of goods and no insurance?

Adam McEwan, Dubai

Can no one have the kindness to be charitable? That no one is helping these people seems to me to be an anathema.

Rachida Djebel, Dubai

Do UAE schools fail the gifted?

In relation to your story, UAE's gifted children not being identified in classrooms, expert says (June 27), I believe that this also reflects the different curriculums being taught in the UAE.

Students being labelled “disruptive or reclusive” is often because most of the curricula teach by means of conformity to that system.

If the child doesn’t conform then it is sometimes suggested that parents check the child for attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to explain their lack of attention, interest or contribution.

School curriculums should work around the development of the child not what the child should conform to at a given age.

That way talents and gifts possessed by each child can easily be identified.

Elham Kakar, Dubai

Chores come before gadgets

After reading your article (How to keep the kids off their electronic devices during the UAE's summer, June 24), the rule in my household is that my son cannot use any of his gadgets until he finishes his chores.

He has to finish his task list, which includes time to read, and cannot touch any gadget unless the list is done. Until then, he can’t even get the Wi-Fi password.

Cherry Escoton-Sy, Abu Dhabi

In my house, gadgets are not used by any child whatsoever.

Phones and other devices are only for use by the adults.

Name withheld by request

I wonder how many adults are reading this on a hand-held device instead of doing activities?

Chris Reid, Dubai