I agree with the article “The weight of the school bag” by Rashid Al-Fouzan (Aug. 22) that many secondary school graduates cannot speak good English. When I interview fresh Saudi graduates applying for work in my factory, I cannot control my laughter listening to them speak foolish things in English. It is sure that the educational system is to be blamed. Many holders of a bachelor's degree in English Literature do not know how to introduce themselves in English and how to prepare their resume in English without spelling and grammatical mistakes. In Palestine or any other Arab countries, a university graduate can speak basic English. Mohammed Yaqoob Al Abd Qanita, Online response II. Why don't we get rid first of the non-professionals in schools who are not only spoiling the future of our children but are also guiding them to the wrong directions? It's true that professionals are expensive and because of this many schools hire less qualified teachers. Please, screen the existing teaching staff in every school and get rid of unqualified teachers. The school bag burden, which was partly blamed for the children's poor performance, will eventually be lightened. Asif Khan, Online response
