| Lockers, Please 10 February 2010
I agree with the letter, ‘Reduce Our Loads, Please’ (Open Space, KT, February 8). I have wondered about the ongoing school inspections and why no one has checked the load the kids are carrying.
The children will have damaged spines if action is not taken immediately. Of course, the textbooks are heavy, especially with their thick and glossy pages. And there is so much paraphernalia that they need to carry every day along with the books.
I would like to draw the attention of the authorities to this. Lockers should be provided so that students can keep some books in school. Let’s join hands to solve this issue.
-Hawa Nagaria, Dubai
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A lot of thought has gone into the weight of the school bag. Having suffered shoulder-aches myself due the weight of the school bag, and having a slightly bent posture (blame it on the school bag again), I am inclined to agree that the authorities concerned must take action on reducing the load students have to carry.
However, I do not agree with the proposed solution of having textbooks split chapter wise, and the use of single perforated notebooks. Since the usage of the notebook is not uniform in all subjects, it will lead to wastage of paper and the books will become very disorganised. It will be difficult to keep track of what has been noted down where.
It is important to accurately assign notebooks for various subjects. 200-page notebooks are used for subjects in which less than 100 pages will be used in the entire academic year!
It will be extremely beneficial if lockers are provided in schools; this way a child needs to carry only what is required. For subjects where there is more than one book or file involved, teachers must specifically mention exactly what book or file is required for the day’s class, so that the students will not have to lug extra books.
Unless the administration wants a bad postured future generation, it must introduce measures to relieve the students from their weighty ordeal. The health and quite literally, the structure of the future generation are at stake.
-Harika Vankadara, by e-mail |
| Salary Reference 10 February 2010
With reference to the letter ‘Why the Current Salary?’ (Khaleej Times, February 7), traditionally it has been the practice of company managements that the salary package is decided based on the current drawing salary. Today, I believe a minimum basic salary level for each position exists in professionally managed companies and establishments. Other allowances are paid based on the grade in which the candidate falls.
To me, this makes sense and there is no room for any sort of negotiation unless the candidate is indispensable for the designated position.
In any organisation, the Human Resources department plays a vital role in this respect.
Even though there seems to be plenty of management tools available in the modern management and human resources environment, the recruitment practices are still not transparent enough.
In my opinion, salary cannot be decided only on the basis of individual credentials; it should be relevant to that position. For instance, the starting salary of two candidates selected under the same job should be the same, provided both candidates meet the minimum required qualifications and experience demanding for that position.
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| Sand in Khalidiya 10 February 2010
After the recent activity of cutting down trees in the Khalidiya area in Abu Dhabi, there is a lot of sand blowing. On a windy day, people find it difficult to step out. Are the authorities planning to level (cement) these areas, where the trees were cut down?
-Name Withheld on Request |
| Kids at Bus Stops 10 February 2010
The excuse that it takes more time to drop children right at their doorsteps, is always used by school transport.
I hoped that once the yellow buses started operating, the problem would be solved.
It is the transport’s responsibility to find ways to make the trip short and at the same time ensure the safety of the children. That is why parents avail the bus services in spite of them being expensive. I’m sick and tired of people shirking responsibility.
-Wendelyn A Tampis, Dubai |
