Good teachers always try to be culturally aware

Readers write about cultural sensitivity, television, rats and parking.

A reader says that cultural awareness is an important issue in the classroom. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

I agree with your editorial, Teachers must be more aware of UAE culture (June 23).

Parents also need to step up and get to know the teachers and teach them the culture and what’s acceptable.

I was fortunate to work at a school that had only Emirati pupils, and the parents really made the teachers feel at home. They invited us to dinners, weddings and other events, and helped us understand where we were living.

They taught me the cultural norms; what they wore and ate, and why; and how they lived.

As a parent myself, I make a point of really getting to know my child’s teachers, as they are sometimes with them more than I am during the week.

Carmen Page, Abu Dhabi

I can honestly say that in my time in the UAE I met hundreds of teachers, and every one of them appeared to make an effort to understand and respect the local culture and adjust their lessons accordingly.

That said, if the UAE wants to recruit teachers from around the world then they need to accept that they will bring their cultural background with them.

M Johnson, UK

Bundled deal is no bargain

I refer to your editorial about telecoms companies, Customers must always come first, June 22).

I wanted to cancel my du television package because I only ever used it to watch Premier League football. However, I could not do so as it meant I would have to close my account.

I did cancel one decoder, but it seems that the bill has remained the same.

Diane Petty, Dubai

Time to think about peace

At this time of year, the message of peace, togetherness and sacrifice always resonates with me (My Ramadan: A time for giving to others and studying the Quran, June 22).

It serves as a reminder that we cannot take what we have for granted and we should express our gratitude every now and then.

Ramadan is a time for spiritual purification, which is achieved through fasting from dawn to dusk and offering prayers. Ramadan kareem to the Muslim ummah.

Samaoen Osman, South Africa

Rodents are everywhere

Apparently rats and mice are everywhere, including in airports and on planes (Emirates confirms rodent was cause for cancelled flight, June 22).

The attraction must be all that delicious airline food. And rats are like cockroaches, they are real survivors.

A Stewart, Abu Dhabi

With parking, the big issue is space

The problem of poor parking doesn't exist just in the UAE, it is everywhere (Think before you park, June 22). People just do not think about others.

The difference here is that many people have 4x4 vehicles and the parking spaces are only big enough for sedans. Once you park in a single space, it is hard to get out because there is not enough room between cars.

Aziza Al Busaidy, Dubai

In some cases I can see why people would take up two parking spaces. If you own an expensive car, you don’t want to come back and find minor dents in the side because the person who parked next to you didn’t take care while opening the door. The costs and annoyance of this is massive. Sometimes it is better to park badly but have a dent-free car.

Name withheld by request

Holiday can be a time for learning

The summer school holidays are looming. Teachers, parents and children see the long break in different ways.

It is one of the best times of a student’s life, as it is good for their social and psychological development.

Irrespective of age group, students can use the holiday in a creative and purposeful manner. This is the time to interact with the world around them and to improve themselves.

The things that they do during the holidays may help them identify their passion and even decide their future.

This is the right time to become a “visual learner” by visiting places of interest and collecting information about them.

Students who love nature can arrange a visit to a sanctuary or nature park, or learn about farming and agriculture. If they love adventure, they could try trekking.

It’s also a good time to read newspapers and books. Students should enjoy their summer holidays and create wonderful memories.

Abraham Mathew, Sharjah