Address problems in our schools is by building a fairer society

The "big ones" included poor self-image, lack of confidence, family problems and fear of being different. Most of these have their roots in poverty. I attend a church in the middle of a deprived area and it has a very small congregation. However, our members' response is overwhelming when asked to donate items to our local high school at various times over the year.

Before schools return stationery supplies, underwear, socks, toiletries and uniform are gathered. We also provide suitable gifts for Christmas, Mothers' and Fathers' Days. Our hope is that children can then focus on their education, rather than fretting over being so different they don't even own a pencil.

I fear that very little will change in the volatility of schools until steps are taken towards creating a fairer society and thereby the bag of worries will be lightened.

Morag S Waddell, Airdrie.

Choices can be selfish

OTTO Inglis (Letters, August 16) refers to parents who want the best for their children with regard to private education. Unfortunately what is best for a particular child will probably only be known with hindsight once the child has left school.

In my experience the decision made with regard to a child’s schooling is made predominantly in the interests of the parents. Some believe that their own social standing is affected by the school that their children attend, while others (some of whom are the product of private schooling) send their children to state schools for personal ideological reasons.

Sandy Gemmill, Edinburgh.

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Keep religion out of schools

NORMAN A Ogston (Letters, August 15) criticises the Labour Government for plans to add VAT to all privately-run schools, a result of which seems to be causing the closure of a faith school in Greenock called Cedars.

I'm not so sure that in the round this new tax on private schooling is a particularly good idea and no I was not privately educated, though if one consequence is that it takes down religious schools then it may have some merit.

Religion of any kind should not be taught in any school as part of its ethos but only in a generic sense as part of the curriculum just like Maths or English or Greek mythology. If parents wish to subject their children to Christianity, Islam or any other religious dogma, they should do so at home.

Of course here in Scotland we have the added problem of schools teaching their pupils imbued with the Roman Catholic version of Christianity, which only emphasises the absurdity of religion in the school environment.

James Martin, Bearsden.

Let's have some civic pride

I RECENTLY visited Japan, a country renowned for its stunning landscapes and exceptional cleanliness. This experience made me reflect on the stark contrast between what I saw in cities there, often many times the size of Glasgow, and the notion of civic responsibility in both contexts.

In Japan, the streets, parks, and urban areas are remarkably clean, a testament to the strong sense of civic pride and responsibility that permeates Japanese society. Citizens of all ages actively participate in keeping their surroundings clean, often carrying their rubbish until they find a proper disposal bin - an item that is surprisingly scarce in public spaces. This culture of cleanliness is not driven by strict laws or fines but by a deep respect for shared spaces and a collective understanding that a clean environment benefits everyone.

In contrast, Glasgow, though beloved by many, often appears as an eyesore to both locals and visitors alike. Our streets are frequently littered, and public spaces are neglected, contributing to a sense of disrepair. It is disheartening to see the lack of civic pride in our city, where many residents rely on the council to clean up after them rather than taking personal responsibility for their actions.

Unfortunately, this issue is exacerbated by what many perceive as wilful inaction by the city council. Despite frequent complaints and calls for action, its response continues to be totally inadequate, leaving much of the city a disgusting mess. The apparent lack of work ethic in parts of its cleansing department is also concerning, with streets left untended for long periods and minimal action taken when problems are identified. Contributions on the council’s social media pages are testament to residents’ ongoing frustrations.

This difference in attitude is not just about cleanliness; it reflects a broader issue of respect: respect for our city, fellow citizens, and the public spaces we all share. In Japan, this respect manifests in meticulously maintained environments. The Japanese understand that a clean environment is not just about aesthetics but also a reflection of their collective identity and pride.

How can we best address the problem of litter? (Image: Newsquest)

Glasgow must ask itself: why do we tolerate the state of our streets and public areas? Why do we not hold ourselves and our local government to the same standards of responsibility and pride that we see in places like Japan? It’s time for a cultural shift, where we take ownership of our city’s cleanliness to improve its appearance and enhance our quality of life.

However, this shift requires proper action from both the council and Scottish Government. This includes launching an ongoing and extensive media campaign to raise awareness about the importance of cleanliness and civic responsibility and introducing stricter fines for littering. Also, the council must enforce higher cleanliness standards within its departments, ensuring that our streets and public areas are properly maintained.

Only by combining these efforts can we transform Glasgow back into a city we are all proud of, reflecting our respect for each other and our shared environment, which currently shames us all.

David Roxburgh, Stepps.