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New academic year at gov't schools set for after Ramadan
by This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it on Wednesday, 1 July 2009Posted on Sunday, 5 July 2009
@Macca
Posted by PeterHiggins at 11:46 UAE time
While the fanatics may wish it was so, the US is not and has never been a christian country. It is a secular country, basing most of its holidays on secular traditions, such as harvest timings etc. Long may it stay so. I suggest if you don't like it, then there are plenty of other religious states you can go out and join. Let's leave the West Secular. Period.
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Posted on Saturday, 4 July 2009
@Omar
Posted by AJ at 17:49 UAE time
Dude, you need to learn how to live within perspective. First you bring religions into comparison, without the need for it. Then, when politely corrected by others, you bring political comparisons into the discussion. When you then feel cornered you, almost apologetically (as I read your last comment), once again change track and make the issue to be about speech morality. 'How people react' is not the freaking question here dude.
This decision is nothing but the result of sheer lack of planning, as quite aptly pointed out by some other sane commentors here. And nobody will leave the country, just cause you dont like them bickering about their issues. We all shall continue to live here and create cacophony on all decisions we dont like or agree with. Yes, we are not citizens & we dont pay taxes. But we HAVE come to the country now, spent years & years of hardwork and 'planning' into it, not to be told simply that if you dont like it....leave. Doesnt work that way dude. Just doesnt.
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Posted on Friday, 3 July 2009
Mr. Mart
Posted by Omar at 20:44 UAE time
i, by all means, welcome and understand any constructive criticism but i do not accept mocking randomly. The tone being used by some is not polite / professional. They just mock randomly thinking that they are superior. An employee would come to you and tell you good morning sir, i believe this idea may be considered, etc....Not, you are crazy with this decision, you will take the company to hell..............
I have undergone several media trainings and know what the difference is!
Being an Arab American, i know very well what we lack in this region and my comments on Arabian Business clearly show that esp. when it comes to freedom of speech. Yes, UAE and the entire region should improve that aspect but without creating a complete anarchy. In my native country, Lebanon, we have 2000 media outlets for 3 million people!(The highest in the world) but this does not help at all in creating a sound country!In the contrary, it's the main ingredient of problems.
I believe UAE is taking solid steps in developing its PR: They hired the world's best Public Affairs agency www.finsbury.com to advise them + some local PR agencies. This is why you see a different tone in PR i.e. The Q&A of Sheikh Mohammed, the facebook initiative, and other excellent ideas.
I believe we should all be respectful unlike some comments. Regarding the US, would it be polite and nice for a Californian to mock New York in New York?? No!!!We can say that the NY airport should be developed, the city should be cleaner, etc... but you can not say New York is very bad and is going to hell!!!
Can a Muslim teacher in NY say that M. Bloomberg is crazy for not confirming the resolution to give 1 day off on Eid day. No, they will just accept the decision and try again and again. As president Obama said in Cairo, it's not violence that brought an African American to presidency but hard work and strive for change.
Many businessmen from different countries meet Sheikh Mohammed and give their comments and he listens. The reason why Dubai and UAE is successful and different from the entire Arab world is that they listen carefully. This is why you see top consultants around either in DIFC or RTA or Jebel Ali or....
Do you think those consultants come for nothing. They come here bcz they are highly appreciated here unlike the rest of the Arab world.
Of course, some might think that this decision might delay the program for students and this is understandable but to say: What a crazy decision, etc... This is not acceptable, polite, constructive.....
I realize that media in UK mock randomly. Perhaps, this is acceptable in UK but not necessarily good & constructive. It's not compatible with the UAE nor the US nor Germany!
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Omar - you are missing the point again
Posted by Mart at 17:37 UAE time
If we didn't care about the country we'd leave. People make critical comments because they care - because they want bad things to improve.
I lived in the USA for a while (I'm a Brit). I found some things there that I preferred to the UK, other things I was critical of. No one in the US took offence when I pointed out that some of their practises were crazy - people either pointed out the reason for them, or took the comments on board.
The UK, USA and the West in general have been successful over the years because they tolerate dissent. Because people can query the government - point out where its doing things wrong, and if things are bad enough they can vote in a new government.
Likewise in the company that I run staff are free to say to me "why are we doing things like this, this is crazy - why don't we do it like this instead". I'll either explain to them why their idea won't work, else I'll consider it an excellent idea and make the change. It helps my company be much more successful than if no one is able to question how things are done. Anyone in the company is free to criticise how we do things and suggest alternatives. I don't take any offence when they do this - quite the opposite - it shows that they care about making our company more successful. I welcome it.
The UAE and other Arab states need to learn from this. When people criticise the way something is being done, they aren't being personal or trying to undermine their leaders - its just that back home this is what we do, and then if others agree with it things get changed and it becomes a better place to live. Those who run the UAE and other states in the region need to be more able to take criticism, and learn from it - rather than trying to silence those who give it as somehow being "unpatriotic" or "determined to undermine Dubai". Nothing could be further from the truth.
I see optimistic signs in how Dubai is run - proposed Metro prices that are very sensible, and the major malls addressing (in advance) likely issues with commuters using their car parks as a park and ride in very sensible ways. This is a good thing - we all can learn from criticism - so don't fear it.
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Missing the point
Posted by Biglevin at 15:08 UAE time
Dear Omar,
You are taking it too personal and deviating from the subject.
This forum is about people expressing their views on an article in the media and NOT about throwing things at each other's face. It is not about, as I said earlier, religion, Muslims or Christians. Not about the US, or Iraq or Mr. Blair’s decision (please check for correct spelling). You are firing from your hip my friend without target.
Rest assured, I’m not going to teach the Ruler or Rulers of this country how to do planning. I fully respect their decisions as I respect everybody else’s decision but I don’t necessarily agree with that.
There are several types of planning. One of them is reactive planning. But it makes even more damage than lack of planning. Check the definition if required.
By the way, how would you feel in a road accident bleeding from dozens of wounds if the doctors or paramedics decided to take Ramadan off?
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Totally different
Posted by Omar at 14:32 UAE time
The USA & UAE are totally different. USA by consitution is not a Christian country while the UAE is a Muslim country. As you know, the big boss of the USA and the world is Barack HUSSEIN Obama. He took the proper oath the next day (21 Jan.)without the bible facing Mecca! When people go to the USA, they are given the citizenship and they become equal while here it's not the case! In Lebanon, Syria, Egypt and other countries, Christians are a minority yet they have clear rights bcz they are supposed to have that simply bcz they represent an essential part of those countries. They are their citizens!
Of course, i respect the laws of the USA. Our children in the US who are US born citizens go to school on the Eid day. So you missed my point.
I am very open towards any religion. My whole point is that we should respect the laws and regulations of any country we are in or leave! Many Muslim French respected a decision to ban the scarf in France although it's aganist the French constitution of Freedom, Fraternity & Egality + they are 100% French citizens while here Nobody promised us any kind of citizenship!
Of course, i must respect all opinions posted by everybody but they should be polite and respecting the nation that is hosting us!
This is the crucial point that i always try to point out. Some people live here for years and refuse to speak Arabic bcz they think they are superior while i know senior executives from England, India, America who are studying Arabic to develop themselves. All i am trying to say is please respect the laws and regulations of this country bcz we are guests.
I have continuously expressed my discomfort of some points in this country but i do that professionaly and politely, unlike some who mock randomly just for saying that they are doing this country a favour while it's the opposite way round!
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School holidays
Posted by macca at 12:47 UAE time
Given what has happened in Dubai does it really matter when the schools go back ? Omar, On the issue of the US - it is a Christian country, so respect it as such, as you expect Muslims to be respected in Muslim countries. Muslims are guests in the US and the west as Christians are guests in Arab Muslim countries. If they dont like not getting a holiday for Eid they can leave. We all have to respect where we are. By the way, if a dog is born in a stable do you call it a horse ?
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This country knows exactly what planning is!
Posted by Omar at 10:38 UAE time
Lack of planning? Are you the one who is going to teach the ruler of this country who is planning and managing this country what planning is? Sorry, i do not think so sir? All businessmen and presidents change their diaries regularly! Biglevin, Sir, simple, respect the order of the ruler of the country that is hosting you and giving you bread and butter or keep your children where they are so they plan their life as they wish! Everybody has to respect the rule of the ruler. In the UK, the majority did not want war in Iraq, yet Mr. Bliar decided to send troops to Iraq so they die.
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Timing
Posted by Luis at 09:12 UAE time
I have no kids of myself, so the question is not so directly relevant to me. I have however three remarks to do:
1) Longer academic years are correlated with a higher position in international ranks of students abilities (that my explain in part the US low scores). Not sure if this is relevant here.
2) Total lack of planning, many people have already left, it will be hard for them to accommodate the new rules. This is not new, business processes in Dubai are not user-friendly at all, many of the decisions seem to be knee-jerk reactions with little thinking about consequences involved.
3) Finally, the timing is at least curious. After so many years authorities suddenly decide to alter the holiday rules, effectively extending the summer holidays just on the year where there is more uncertainty (excluding Omar, he already knows as per her remarks in other post) about how many will return. Luckily all the cynics have quietly and politely have already left the country, else we may have quite some interesting theories.
I hope Omar does not take this too bad.
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Planning?
Posted by Jeff Bustlethwaite at 08:04 UAE time
Biglevin is correct and Omar is completely missing the point.
Parents upset by this move are perfectly happy to respect Ramadan. They have been doing so already - for many years in some cases.
What is difficult to respect is the lack of planning.
We already have to put up with holidays being announced at the last minute and holidays being changed a day before they are supposed to begin, making it impossible to plan properly.
How many long weekends have people spent at home in Dubai, wasting time that could otherwise have been better spent, if clear guidance had been provided in advance?
How many cheaper flights have been missed or penalties incurred when last minute adjustments are made?
Being unhappy about this announcement is nothing to do with respecting Ramadan, but everything to do with being frustrated by bad planning.
Please don't trot out the boring 'if you don't like it, leave' argument. Yes, we can all leave, but wouldn't it be better simply to apply a little foresight to the planning process when it comes to school holidays? We all know well in advance when those holidays will fall.
With a little planning, everyone would be better off, regardless of their religious affiliations.
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Posted on Thursday, 2 July 2009
Lack of planning
Posted by Biglevin at 00:35 UAE time
This has nothing to do with religion, with Muslims or Christians. This is a decision made too late without planning not taking the serious consequences into account. The Holy month of Ramadan is not coming by surprise. The timing is accurately known by years in advance even if the first day will depend on the actual Moon sighting. However, the announcement was made less than 2 month before the start of the new school year and more unfortunately after finishing the current year. Many families who have already left the UAE for their summer vacation will not come to know about the decision prior to their return to the UAE. Families who planned to return during the last week of August preparing for the school year to start on the 30th of August either have to change their tickets and pay penalties to the airlines or have to deal with their children locked into an apartment for 3-4 weeks because of the unbearable temperature outside. Some parents will have to be absent from work to take care of their kids and hence lose 3-4 weeks of salary. Not every family can afford to have an army of house maids around them who grow and discipline their children instead of them.
Pedantic parents have already planned their winter or other term breaks according to the 2009-2010 school calendars which were issued 3-4 month ago by the schools. They bought tickets, booked hotels or made other family arrangements. Now all the efforts and money are lost because nobody knows how these breaks will be scheduled. Not to mention that for the extremely high tuition fees I as a parent expect the school to provide effective education to my children by not cutting the school year or the curriculum short.
The biggest losers are the children. They will be under huge pressure because they have to make up the lost 3-4 weeks either by longer days in school or sacrificing weekends, cutting the term breaks shorter or finishing school in mid July next year. The children will pay a heavy price throughout the whole year for starting the school year late. Education is the foundation for life where children have to be taught to work systematically to plan in advance and to perform consistently. This decision shows them a very bad example and teaches the next generation to find excuses to escape from responsibilities.
The real issue is not whether or not to close school during Ramadan. The issue is the lack of planning! I have a 365 page diary which is called PLANNER. The purpose of it is to enter events, meetings, birthdays and vacation dates and time into it well in advance. To make sure that nothing comes unexpectedly, that I can prepare myself for the event. With careful, advance planning thousands of families would have been saved from inconvenience and unnecessary expenses.
And last but not least. The Holy month of Ramadan is about commitment, devotion and respect but definitely not about laziness. Children managed school while fasting last year from beginning of September till end of September when it was same hot as this September will be. And they managed the year before. And they managed for the last 25 years when Ramadan consequently fell into the school year. Did they become suddenly more fragile, more sensitive? I don’t think so.
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Why do Muslims take off for Xmas and Easter?
Posted by Omar at 17:34 UAE time
Why do Muslim students abide by the Christian rules in the west (Xmas & Easter) while Christians are not ready to accept any decision in a Muslim country??
Religion is something you respect not negotiate as per the comment of a Christian Lebanese Director at Radisson Sas Deira. I salute you Caroline although i do not know you!
if you do not like this system, you can choose esle where!! Simple!!
We are all guests in this country (foreign residents). When we all have guests in our home, we expect full respect & compliance from their part! Is not it the case?
Just today, NY mayor refused a decision by the state council to adopt a 1 day holiday for Eid at NY schools. They are not ready to sacrifice 1 single day for 3% of the US population!!
If you think education is better in your home country or any other place, you should simply send your kids home quietely and politely. I FULLY respect Christians in the west, Hindus and their unique habits in India, Buddist in Thailand, and i expect non-muslims to respect Muslims in a Muslim country!
You should simply adapt yourself to the country you live in wherever you are!
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Sorry!!
Posted by Mirror at 15:00 UAE time
As a muslim, I am really sorry that by this decision we make Ramazan symbole of laziness and rest! You cannot find any sign in the religion that people should sleep more or work less in Ramazan (But with our decisions we are showing so).
Even there is more value for knowledge and learning than prayer in Islam. Why should we make changes in rules as per our comfort? 3 weeks of school for children means a lot of learning and to cover the consequences of that period everyone inclduing parents are pressurized.
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Extended holidays?
Posted by raja at 14:18 UAE time
This is not a good move from the govt. as it can make the students more lazy and will be difficult to adjust after a 'extended long vacation'
My children are born and bought up in this country and studying in 'O' level. The school closed for vacation on 9th June, and if this extended holidays applies to private schools also, schools will start possibly on 23rd Sept, gosh, 105 days of holidays. Never heard in human history this kind of treatment to education system, 2nd priority.
We, the parents, specially, people from our part of the world take education very very seriously, and in last 10 years of my son's schooling, I don't think he ever missed school for wrong reasons, except sickness etc., We make sure that he should not cultivate of habit of 'it's OK'.
But now, the govt. with this (if it applies to private schools, I pray god not to implement to private schools), surprised everybody, who thinks seriously about Education.
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Ramadan holidays for schools
Posted by NT at 13:35 UAE time
Forgiving the response from Owais above, I can only agree with the comments of the other respondees to date. I read in one of the newspapers today a statement which reads 'I expect from our students a year filled with achievement and productivity' How, when the school year is reduced by almost 1 month ? For some this is O level or maybe A level year - how are they expected to cover the full curriculum ? Do we want our children to achieve great things or merely be medicocre........
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