4f95336deb688210VgnVCM200000e66411acRCRDapproved/thenational/Articles/Migration/2009-Q1Zayed University to help India's poor3f95336deb688210VgnVCM200000e66411ac____We at Zayed University have been working hard to counter the current tendency to give money rather than time for community service, as mentioned in the recent article Most women donate money, not time (March 6). Over the past year, we have introduced the idea of a community service club on campus.<p>We at Zayed University have been working hard to counter the current tendency to give money rather than time for community service, as mentioned in the recent article Most women donate money, not time (March 6).  Over the past year, we have introduced the idea of a community service club on campus.  In addition, we have plans to take 18 of our female Emirati students to India in April to actively participate in the building of homes for the poor.  We will be doing this with Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organisation which provides affordable homes to needy families who qualify. </p> <p>Our young Emirati women will mix and lay concrete and build walls and roofs while learning about the families and communities in need. In order to participate, we need to cover costs including airfare, accommodation, meals, and a donation to Habitat. This comes to approximately Dh6,000 per volunteer.  During the current financial crises we are finding it very difficult to find the needed financial sponsorship. This would be a wonderful time for the Emirati women who prefer to donate money to come to the assistance of those who are hoping to donate their time.  (For sponsorship please contact lisa.reber@zu.ac.ae)  <b>Lisa Reber-Rider,</b> Dubai</p> <p>I was saddened to read of the proposed move of the Fish Market (Fish market to move inland, March 7).  As residents in Abu Dhabi for the past 32 years, my family has enjoyed the wonderfully fresh fish sold at the market.  Over the years we have taken many visitors from overseas to see the market and not a single one has ever complained about the smell. </p> <p>It is rare these days to find a fish market right on the water's edge selling such an incredible variety of fresh fish.  To think that Abu Dhabi is going to start transporting this incomparably fresh fish in refrigerated trucks from one side of town to the other, rather than selling it on the quayside, seems a great pity. Wouldn't it be better to make any necessary modifications to the market structure itself and develop the area around it by building perhaps a museum to showcase the sea heritage of the UAE, the skill of their seamen and dhow builders, the amazing courage of the pearl divers. </p> <p>Perhaps even an art gallery displaying seascapes by established artists could be added, along with shops selling traditional UAE handicrafts.  The area in its present form is always well worth a visit for tourist and resident alike.  Taking home the catch of the day, fresh from the market on the quayside for lunch is a terrific bonus which beats hands down yet another shopping mall with the same selection of shops on offer.</p> <p>As a non-Emirati, it is not my place to question the wisdom of this decision, only to express my regret at the passing of yet another piece of the Abu Dhabi we have loved these many years. <b>Joyce Hijazi,</b> Abu Dhabi</p> <p>In yesterday's newspaper you mention how nice it is for families to be enjoying a three day break (Long weekend gives families welcome break, March 8). Presumably that will be those who are lucky enough to be employed in Government? Because, once again, those of us who work in the private sector have had to arrange child care as the children are off from school but we are expected to go to work. Saturday was deemed as enough time off. On the same page you mention how challenging it is for Emiratis to work in the private sector (Private sector proves daunting, March 8). As long as a two-tier approach to holidays, working hours and financial rewards continues, this will not change. In the current challenging times, surely it is time for a unified working code. <B>Sallie, </B>Dubai When the public sector has so many more holidays, and a much shorter working day, it is hardly surprising that so many Emiratis prefer working for the Government rather than the private sector. The way to deal with this? Make the working practices of the public sector closer to the private sector.</p> 85YYOPINION2009030900000020090309000000100ARhttp://adedit.ad.atl.publicus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090309/OPINION/718160037371816003720090309100000000446aa2c4ce3b8210VgnVCM200000e66411ac____3f95336deb688210VgnVCM200000e66411ac____fdbe50b80a0b8210VgnVCM100000e56411acRCRDImageArticle Asset captionArticle Asset option