'Make teens feel part of something, let us work'

“as a teenager, i dont think anything can be gained by flipping burgers on weekends - teens should try to seek out productive hobbies or contribute in other ways. Parents should encourage children to start these projects and hobbies to truly inspire a work ethic in their kids. If you want your kids to work at McDonalds when they are older, only then is it productive to start flipping burgers at a young age. If you want your child to design computer software, start programming. if you want your child to be an engineer, start designing and building your creations.”

“Actually it would cut the cost of foreign labour if we gave students a chance. Our company does take student on work experience but legally we are not allowed to put them on pay roll. Why?? Because out here they have come to term with reality that unless we make our youngster learn to be useful to society by intergrating them at an early age they will grow up to be unproductive workers who dont take their work seriously. My kids are at Uni in UK and do part time work whereever they can get and it is not a shame and no it doesnt mean we are poor.”

“My Cup of tea spilt when I was driving down to work this morning as I was listening to the letter of the day published on 7 days about a teenager who stressed that expatriate teenagers need to look up for part time jobs. I salute the writer for encouraging others to take up part time jobs. Don't you think the teenager was right ? yes indeed, when I was a teenager ... I never got a chance to do a part time job as during my summer holidays we were asked to do various projects and assignments. Some of us born and bought up in Dubai have no benefits at all . its only during "DSF" or "DSS" that you would find young teenagers doing outdoor jobs standing in various stalls etc.

At times, I find them also in malls doing various promotional and marketing jobs. these might just last for a month or two and the youngsters are back again to school for yet another tiring semester that they have to complete. Some teenagers might not know whom to approach and where.

Back in US, Students study and do part time jobs like working as a cashier in fast food outlets or take up an admin role etc. Don't you think we need to give teenagers a chance to engage them self's working at a young age so that they can earn a little that can be used at least as a pocket money. How long are the parents going to feed their children in this luxurious world and when are teenagers going to take up the responsibility of working and earning? It would be a great initiative on their part to start working so that they can get an exposure to the outside world. I am glad that the teenager came up with such a brilliant idea. Instead of being glued to the Internet, and sitting like couch potato in front of the idiot box, working and making some money is not a bad idea and all the teenagers should look forward to it.

Youngsters are today's generation and they need to come forward with their ideas and suggestions. School, Colleges , parents and the Govt should support and motivate them to come up in life. I would love to see these young lads working enthusiastically. It will make them more responsible as they will understand the value of money .

Daddy's and mummy's work and support their kids but now let it be the other way round. It's always best that teens start with something small and then take up various challenges in life. Hats off to the writer. You just made my day! Thanks and Rgds- Mathew Litty”

“Nikki,

Yes its realy sad to see how frustrated our Teenagers are. There is nothing for 13-20yr olds that is substantial enough to do. Europe and other countries Teenagers learn so many skills from working part-time and not only does this give them semi-independance and responsibility, but also helps them figure out what they want out of life when older. We were Teenagers too, but it was easier for us- here in the UAE everything has rules and regulations- some in favor others not- what CV's will accompany our children when they do leave or stay in the country by the time they are "legal to work at age 21+ (by then too late) VS youths in other parts of the world with something on a CV thats shows some skills be it people skills, negotiating skills, typing skills anything for that matter. Hence that companies would rather spend money paying for visa's, accomodation etc. to bring someone from another country to work for them as oppose to using a workforce that is trainable right under their noses, less costly and beneficial. I speak for ALL Teenagers 15++ in this country.....”

“I totally agree with what is being said here. All over the world teenagers are gaining useful work experience and intergrating with the general public and learning how to communicate effectively and of course earning abit of money in the meantime, which is a great incentive and sense of independance for them. I have a 4 year old and I am worried also if I stay here until she is a teenager, she is not going to know the value of working and gaining that all important experience. So come on Dubai dont let our teenagers down they are our future.

Nikki Dubai”