The house is haunted!

THIS is in response to Maryam Ashfaq’s letter in Young World, on October 19, 2013, written in response to my story “The house is haunted” (YW, September 21, 2013).

I agree with Maryam that the story was ‘childish’. She also found it ‘boring’ and ‘not worth publishing’, perhaps because she is a bit grown-up, I guess; some other grown-up readers might as well have the same opinion.

I have a few things to say. Firstly, Young World is a children’s magazine, though also read by grownups, but mostly children. Children don’t like verbose and complicated stories; they like simple, epigrammatic stories which some grownups might find boring and childish.

Secondly, I’m sure, the editor receives entries in bulk and after scrutinising, only relevant stories up to the standard of the magazine are published. Lastly, everyone has their own perception about things; not everyone likes children’s stories. I don’t think that publication of stories like the abovementioned once in a while, which are meant only for children, will lower the standard of this magazine.

Sadia Maqsood, Karachi

Let’s help the poor

IN Pakistan there are many poor people. Everyone has their own aims which they want to achieve and my aim in life is to help poor people and give education to poor children.

An educated population is very important for the growth of Pakistan. There are so many young girls and boys in Pakistan who are not educated. I want to help them and make them educated and to give support to the poor. I want to give houses, clothes, food, books and toys to poor children.

I feel sad that our president, prime minister and the rich do nothing for them. Although I am a student right now, one day I when I start earning I will try my best to use half my earnings to help the poor and do something for their education.

May Allah give me success and I want other children to also think about helping those who are less fortunate than us.

Kanwal Hassan Changezi, Nawabshah

The ups and downs of teenage

THIS is with reference to the article “The ups and downs of teenage” by Umamah Shaheen (Young World, October 5, 2013). It was an effective topic and I really appreciate the efforts of the team of Young World for providing us with such useful articles.

It is true that teenagers face various hardships and difficulties because at this age one is faced with many choices and some of these are bad for us.

Adil Arman, Turbat

Wise choices

THIS is with reference to the story “Wise choices” by Sara Pirzada (YW, September 28, 2013). It was not only a well-written piece, but also an eye-opener.

I think it was really a helpful story for students because best friends often face the issue of whether or not to help each other during texts and exams. It a marvellous job!

Aisha Ajmal, Daharki

No longer with her

THIS is with reference to the article “No longer with her” by Zainab Nasir (YW, September 28, 2013). In my opinion, cats are the best pets and companions.

It is true that a cat cannot live forever with us, but it can be our best friend during those short years, giving us lots of wonderful memories. Cats cannot do anything wrong and but a human being can betray us and shatter our trust easily.

Saniya Saeed, Daharki