A letter of interest for non racial and united Fiji!! Dear Mr Prime Minister Sir, Re: Standardization of School Uniforms Sir, I strongly believe that school uniforms should be standardized for all schools. The very word "uniform" means uniformity and in other words, uniformity in school uniforms. It is in this spirit and respect for "uniform" that all schools in Fiji should be prescribed a standard type of uniform that should be worn in all schools. Schools run by the Muslim League should also adhere to this and be “uniform" with all the other schools. Like all the other schools, Muslim schools should also have the same style of uniform; skirt and top or frocks for girls; and shirt & shorts or shirt & sulu for boys. Colours will invariably be different for different schools. Head-scarfs imposed on Muslim girls in Muslim schools should not be part of the school uniform and be banned in all schools. For your information Sir, almost all of these Muslim girls who are compelled to wear head-scarfs in Muslim schools would not wear scarfs when they are out and about doing their normal day to day business or leisure activities. There is no reason for Muslim schools to be "dis-uniform" from the rest of the schools in Fiji. The style of uniform for all schools should be "uniform". Sir, you have brought uniformity in the name given to all the citizens of Fiji by calling them "Fijians", under much criticism from the indigenous population. You did this because you believed in equality and wanted uniformity without any discrimination; and I am sure you can bring about uniformity in school uniforms for all schools. In any case, the outfit with head-scarfs worn by girls in Muslim schools look hideous and not a sight you would want to see. France is a country with about 5 million Muslims and a few years ago the French Government banned head-scarfs in all schools and also in public places. Initially there was opposition from the Muslim community but very quickly they had to face reality and accept the fact that they were in minority and were living in a Christian majority country. The bulk of the funding and running cost of all the schools (including Muslim Schools) is provided for by the Government from the taxpayer’s money. Therefore, the Government as the representative of the people of Fiji has all the legitimacy and right to prescribe school uniforms, as it prescribes the syllabus. The Muslim school committees may object and make representations at first, but soon they will realize that they are a minority in this country and would have to go along with the majority wishes of the rest of the country. Sir, I am confident that the majority of the people in Fiji will agree with my views on school uniforms being "uniform" for all the schools in Fiji without exceptions; and it will really be great if it could be implemented from the school year starting in 2014. Thanking you. Yours sincerely, Charlie Watson.
Posted on: Wed, 28 Aug 2013 07:30:12 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015