Dear Sir,                                         

It is sad to note that baseless allegations are continuously made about Qatar’s successful bid to host the FIFA 2022, even as an investigation into the matter is under way.

It is also alleged by some quarters that “slave labour” is used to build World Cup stadiums. This is an absolutely ridiculous charge. The system of sponsored-labour work ethic has been going on for decades. People from various countries come to Qatar, willingly and enthusiastically,  to work to support their families back home. Can one call this “slave labour” in any sense? Expatriates are really happy to work and live in Qatar because Qatari men and women are very decent people, well-behaved and well mannered.

As a matter of fact it is the petty mindedness of a few football associations from around the world which are creating such mischief to create obstacles for Qatar’s 2022. But eventually truth will prevail and Qatar will be vindicated of all charges.

A N Singh

PO Box 2560

Doha

Preparation is the key

Dear Sir,

I disagree with the recent comments expressed in this column about revised school timings. I think preparation is the key. My children were educated in Qatar in the 80s.The night before a school day they were fed, showered and sent to bed early giving them at least 10 hours of  sleep.

Before I went to bed I laid the table for breakfast to save time. In the morning the children were woken up at 6am showered and fed a nutritious breakfast ready for school. In the afternoons we spent quality time with the children swimming or participating in other activities.

Perhaps, if parents realised children needed their proper amount  of sleep and a good diet, their school days would not pose so many problems; lots of sleep and structure to their lives make happy children.

Linda Thorpe

lindajathorpe@gmail.com

Food for thought

Dear Sir,

When I went on vacation to my home country during the festival season there recently, I was impressed to find that a non-government organisation had set up a scheme to reduce food wastage and feed the deprived. People could call up the NGO if they had extra food and the group would distribute it among the needy. During my son’s birthday, I forgot to serve the dessert which I had prepared and when I realised that,  I gave it away to workers in a nearby construction site.

Here, I find Qatar Charity’s TAYF project a big boon.

A lot of good food is getting wasted; in some cases, people don’t know how to dispose it of properly. A helpline number may be set up. A  vehicle could be arranged to collect the food from people wanting to give it away. During festival seasons, restaurants, hotels and individuals may use the system to give the extra food to the deprived.

In Qatar, we have a large labour force , sections of which  may welcome such a  measure.

CV

(Full name and e-mail address supplied)