I NOW live and work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with my wife and children. I worked in education in Blackburn for eight years before to being appointed to this position two years ago.

I was concerned about my children not getting a balanced education from school here in the Kingdom, but was very pleased to see that the curriculum included all aspects of other religions -- in a country which follows very strict Islamic law.

My experience shows that it is the lack of understanding of other people's religions and cultures that breeds negative behaviour and in a society that is multi cultural, the need to understand and respect each others' cultures is very important.

I used to go to church at Easter and Christmas time with my Christian friends. I never felt any fear, only because we were educated at school.

Perhaps Mr Smith should spend some time in the classroom and educate himself before passing on such derogatory remarks. I am sure the schools will be most welcoming.

RASHED RIAZ (maths and physics teacher), British Aerospace Training Facility, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.