Ombudsman takes right-to-know into schools

The Office of the Ombudsman is bringing the message that knowledge is power and public transparency builds trust into local schools this week.

The school visits started on Monday, 22 Sept. to mark Cayman’s 16th year of freedom of information legislation ahead of International Right-to-Know Day, the Office of the Ombudsman said in a press release.

The Ombudsman’s information rights division’s youth-focused outreach initiative is aimed at educating students about their right to access public information and empowering them to use it.

“As a team, we believe that knowledge is power. Every young person deserves to understand how access to information supports democracy, accountability and their future roles as leaders. These school visits are an investment in the next generation of informed and engaged citizens,” said Ombudsman Sharon Roulstone.

Ombudsman office staff will visit three schools: John Gray High School, the University College of the Cayman Islands and Grace Christian Academy, delivering interactive presentations designed to spark curiosity, civic awareness and leadership potential among students aged 14 to 18.

The presentations to students will focus on three key messages regarding freedom of information:

• Knowledge is Power: Understanding the right to access information is a foundation for informed decision-making and civic engagement.
• Transparency Builds Trust: Young people have a role in holding institutions accountable and shaping a transparent future.
• Leadership Starts with Awareness: Tomorrow’s leaders must be equipped with the tools to seek truth, ask questions and demand accountability.

Secondary schools not receiving visits this week will be included in the right-to-know programme, which continues to the end of the year, ensuring that every high school age student has the opportunity to learn about freedom of information.

International Right-to-Know Day is held each year to educate the public on freedom of information and open records laws worldwide, to support public access to information.