Liane Gutcher's opinion piece 'Boys' go from Kabul to the Oscars - but who benefits? (February 22), about the Academy Award-nominated short film Buzkashi Boys, makes some important points about the film and media industry in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan is certainly lacking in media experts. All the television stations are in competition to hire the few people who understand how to produce, film and edit, and how to be a journalist.
The country urgently needs a media school to train people to operate cameras, lights and sound equipment, as well as video editors and reporters.
Nothing has happened, even though - if my information is correct - millions of dollars have been given to the Government Media Information Centre.
It is also rumoured that the German government is prepared to provide €1 million (Dh 4.8 million) a year to train young people in Afghanistan.
In all my years in Afghanistan, I have not seen anybody graduate from these programmes. If there were such people, I would immediately hire them.
All TV stations are in need, but nobody listens. Money is wasted in the way Ms Gutcher has pointed out in her article.
My dreams is to see an independent media school where expatriates train Afghanistan's future media experts.
I can guarantee that every single graduate will find a well-paid job. Afghanistan has about 70 television stations and they are all in need of staff.
Andreas Wilmers, 1 TV Media, Afghanistan
Pros and cons to Indian budget
I'd like to comment on India unveils risk-averse budget with polls in mind (March 1).
I believe the budget will help the poor and bring economic equality to the country.
Safety, agriculture, women and youth will all benefit from this budget.
However, I oppose the plan to give loans to farmers with small landholdings.
When the Irish government gave loans to small businesses, most of the them failed and the loans were not repaid, adding to government debt.
Abdulla Nidal, Grade 10, Wesgreen International School, Sharjah
English lessons hold pupils back
It was interesting to read University courses grow in diversity (February 28).
I was one of the many people who applauded the Ministry of Education's decision to have all university courses taught in English.
Having worked in further education in the UAE for several years, I am beginning to wonder whether it was quite such a good idea as it first seemed.
The level of English among the many students entering university and college courses in the UAE is extremely low. In many cases, it is non-existent.
I have first-hand experience of how demotivating it can be for students to have to study English intensively for a year simply to begin their degree or diploma programme.
Taking a degree course is demanding enough for most people, without having to cope with the extra stress of learning in a foreign language.
Name withheld by request
Gender selection belongs in past
I am writing in response to Gender test for embryos fires debate (March 2).
Sex selection belongs to the time where female infanticide used to be part of the culture of the dark ages.
Genetic treatment to reduce the risk of diseases is one thing, sex selection is another.
Joe Burns, Dubai
Expo bid plays to UAE's strengths
I was glad to read Inspectors call UAE visit 'very positive' (March 1) regarding Dubai's bid for the 2020 World Expo.
This is a wonderful opportunity for the UAE to display its top-notch construction skills.
E Zabalawi, Dubai
Falling gold price not a good thing
The headline of your article, Falling gold price presents entry opportunity (March 3), appears to be at odds with the content of the story.
Why would anyone invest in gold after this discouraging news?
K Ponder, US
