Having just returned from a visit to Kazakhstan (TES, April 25), I was interested to read the article about corruption in the republic. There is no doubt that corruption is rife, not only in education.
I was astonished at just how knowledgeable the Kazakhs are about our culture. Shakespeare was quoted to me, I was asked my opinion on Paul McCartney receiving a knighthood and of course various British football clubs’ performances were commented upon.
Roubles have long been replaced by the local currency of Tenge, although US dollars would probably have been more appropriate for your cartoon.
I know I could not have named a Kazakh writer, football team or musician before I had visited Kazakhstan.
JANE O’ROURKE 34 Stoneham Road Hove East Sussex
