The fugitive
I THINK all who have listened to Tukini Cama would remember the hilarious fugitive series. During the breakfast show, he would receive an anonymous call from a supposed fugitive.
The comical fugitive would whisper and once danger is sensed through footstep sounds or banging on the door, the call would end abruptly.
And miraculously, there would be another call the next morning.
I think he will be best remembered for his comical skills on air. MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF Natabua, Lautoka
Celebrating languages!
INTERNATIONAL Mother Language Day is celebrated annually on February 21. The UN website states that International Mother Language Day underscores the role of languages in promoting inclusion and achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
The theme for this year’s celebration was ‘Multilingual education — a pillar of learning and intergenerational learning’. It is crucial for inclusive education and the preservation of indigenous languages.
UN states that, “By starting education in the learner’s mother tongue and gradually introducing other languages, barriers between home and school are bridged, facilitating effective learning. Multilingual and multicultural societies thrive through the preservation of their languages, which serve as conduits for traditional knowledge and cultural heritage.” On the other hand, the fact that linguistic diversity faces increasing threats as more languages vanish is a worrying sign, as around 40 per cent of the global population lack access to education in their native language, a figure that exceeds 90 per cent in certain regions. Native languages assist in better learning outcomes, improved self-esteem, development of critical thinking skills, and supporting intergenerational learning and cultural preservation. They are the cornerstone for achieving equitable access to education and lifelong learning opportunities for all individuals.
The Editor-in-chief penned a solid editorial titled ‘Celebrating languages’ (FT 23/02) and I agree with him that the day should not just be a celebration of dominant languages, but should also be about cherishing endangered voices.
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Privileges
FOOD insecurity isn’t just about going hungry. For women and girls, it can lead to transactional sex for food or money to buy food, sexual exploitation, abuse and/or trafficking when searching for employment or food, being pulled out of school for employment to assist in the families’ day to day living and so forth. It can have multiple reasons, but if you are born a male, you have so many privileges.
What a cruel patriarchy system just to be born a girl or woman? Let’s make some changes men, as small as it might be, but at least we are making changes rather than sitting idle and doing nothing about it!
JIOJI M CAKACAKA Carreras-Votualevu, Nadi
Issue of safety
AS a ratepayer, I am hoping to see that our council undertakes the long pending footpath construction work in our area as soon as possible.
Like me, I know there are other ratepayers who are equally concerned because of the absence of footpaths. As a matter of fact, across the entire town boundary, footpaths are either left incomplete or are missing altogether.
In terms of occupational health and safety, footpaths play a huge role in keeping people protected from harm’s way and safe. A footpath provides a safe and user-friendly environment not only to move to places but also jog through to keep fit. It also helps motorists to only concentrate on the road as pedestrians keep and move on footpaths.
Besides all these, I think the councils are obligated to provide this public amenity for the welfare and wellbeing of its citizenry. Hopefully, someone is paying attention.
SURESH CHAND
Nadi
Dictatorial approach
THE way some public servant are doing their service made me missing the dictatorial approach of the past.
PITA SOROAQALI
Rakiraki