Moral education helps communities and the world
In the past, there used to be classes on moral studies in schools (‘Facebook live: What will Moral Education teach your children at school?’, Gulf News, September 26). Nowadays, I don’t see it in too many schools. I wish schools would continue this wonderful opportunity to not only teach children, but to better understand them. It would make them converse more about what is happening in society. We can make them understand the social injustices and abuses around them.
We can talk about refugees impacted by war and how we can help humanity. Definitely, these changes in children would reflect in their homes and I think that, as they become older, they will come forward and help the world.
From Ms Krishna Kumari
UAE
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Understanding civic sense
I think a practical demonstration of the subject would be valuable. We should be taking children to old age homes, orphanages and centres for people with special needs, where they can spend time engaged in social services. Children should be taken to beaches and parks, and should be involved in clean-up projects to understand civic sense. They should be taken to animal shelters and taught about abandoned animals, adoption, and how to care for pets. They should be taught to love the environment, by planting trees, and learn about environment sustainability. It would be better if moral education is practically implemented and students are marked for the number of hours they engage in social services.
From Ms Dorothy Sylvia
UAE
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Morals will help behaviour issues
It’s a good idea to have classes for moral education, but in public schools, especially in boys schools from grade one to six, teachers need assistants. It’s very hard for a teacher to control these young and energetic students.
From Ms Jhoe Quitalib
Dubai
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A way of life
Moral values cannot be endorsed by just having a subject, though. It is about getting these virtues embedded in their lives. It has to integrate into their train of thought.
From Ms Ahliya Shahid
Ahmedabad, India
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A must in homes
Moral values should be learnt at home, with parents’ guidance. School is only a second source of learning respect and moral values. Parents are the best teachers.
From Ms Bernadeth Ignacio
Dubai
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Encourage parents
First, the parents should be encouraged to inculcate moral and social values in their children. They should practice such behaviour at home, as well. God willing, children will become responsible adults and citizens.
From Mr Neeraj Nagpal
UAE
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Can’t count on parents
Fathers and mothers often don’t teach their children. What we commonly see is based on the age-old expression: ‘The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.’ The attitude and behaviour of parents is usually reflected in the child. Some children really need this guidance.
From Mr Roland Santos
UAE
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Being a role model
I agree that values start with one’s parents and that they are examples to look up to. They have a very important role in their children’s lives, but schools can do a lot to help.
From Ms Mari Sol Elazegui
UAE
Facebook comment
No change in gun culture
The recent Washington Mall shooting that killed five people in the US would have been traumatic for residents (‘US mall shooting suspect in custody’, Gulf News, September 26). Although the shooting was not organised by known terror groups, the motive behind it was not clear. Police arrested one 20-year-old, of Turkish origin. This incident must be condemned and I hope the authorities come out with more information on this. Despite many shooting incidents in malls and schools in the US, they are not keen to eradicate their gun culture, which is sad. I pray for the victims and the grieving family members.
From Mr K. Ragavan
Bengaluru, India
A threat to world peace?
The US presidential elections are hurtling towards a chilling climax, with Donald Trump almost certain to become the next president. History grimly reminds us that in times of political turbulence and uncertainty, the masses turn to extreme leaders for salvation. Germany turned to Adolph Hitler, Italy turned to Benito Mussolini and Spain turned to Francisco Franco. Their policies resulted in the destruction of Europe. Americans are now sadly flocking towards Trump.
Trump’s erratic behaviour bears a striking resemblance to that of Mussolini’s. He has indicated that America will adopt a policy of friendship towards Russia. Mussolini allied himself with Hitler.
Trump’s vision of a new America matches Mussolini’s political legacy. They both avoided military service. Americans are unaware that under Trump, the US would slide into political isolation. Trump is a threat to world peace.
From Mr Farouk Araie
Johannesburg, South Africa
No one to blame but herself
Never in US history has a presidential nominee been under five separate criminal investigations while running for president (‘If Hillary loses, blame the media’, Gulf News, September 26). When Hillary Clinton loses, she’ll only have herself to blame. The media has done everything in its power to force her down the collective throats of Americans. It’s more of a farce having her run, than anything that can be said about Trump. Time will tell, either way.
From Mr Harlock S.
UAE
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No party support
No, I don’t blame the news. I blame the Democrats that did not support her! All Americans should be voting Hillary!
From Ms Monia Rafique
UAE
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Learning about the UAE
I am a proud and happy resident in Dubai, which I think, is due to the fact that it’s such a global city that wants to spread happiness and recently appointed a happiness minister. I admire this city for its skyline and how the Burj Khalifa always offers a pleasant experience to tourists and residents alike. Each year, my school in Sharjah celebrates “Around the world”, a social studies activity where we are happy to learn about cultures of different countries.
This year, my grade is happy to research about the history of ancient civilisations, along with the history of the UAE. The excitement can be sensed when we sit on the bus, where we all discuss what’s happening in other grades.
The fifth graders are busy working on an activity regarding world peace, which is important for happiness, while my friend in the third grade is excited about making a new friend from another country. I really feel lucky to learn new things every year as part of “Around the world” and I would like to thank all our teachers for this.
From Mr Arnav Shah
Sharjah
This isn’t so bad
It’s his own money and he can do whatever he wants with it – even put gold on his camel (‘Owner blasted for adorning camel with gold necklace’, Gulf News, September 27). People work hard to earn money and have the right to spend it the way they want. Many people spend money frivolously, like in trophy hunting, but people are shaking their finger at this?
From Ms Hanna Mera
UAE
Facebook comment
Are people jealous?
He wanted to adorn his camel and he can afford the gold. I once read that someone gifted a gown of pure gold to his daughter because it made him happy. There exists a bathroom made of gold and a toilet bowl of pure gold, and even cars made with gold and diamonds.
In many cultures, new brides are placed on pedestals, with gold jewellery adorning them from head to foot. Aren’t some people just envious of those who can afford to do all this?
From Ms Pearl Mari
Dubai
Facebook comment
Pick your battles
Gold is just a natural resource, like water. Whatever he does to his camel is his own business. I would be more angry if the man had destroyed a forest to construct a wagon for his camel to ride on.
From Ms Idebu Debbie Idebu
UAE
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We have this right
People have the liberty to use their money in whatever way they wish. Sane people use money wisely and the foolish use it otherwise!
From Mr Khalid Khan
Dubai
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