Educational talks about the Ombudsman and good governance extended to public secondary schools

Educational talks about the Ombudsman and good governance extended to public secondary schools

Published November 05, 2024

The Office of the Ombudsman and the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation have agreed to extend the students' educational talks initiative to public secondary schools. This decision follows a successful pilot programme conducted in Church secondary schools, which received positive feedback and strong engagement from students and educators alike.

Originally launched last year, the educational talks aim to deepen students' understanding of governance, civic responsibilities, and the role of the Ombudsman in Malta. Designed for students in Years 10, 11, and Sixth Form, the sessions seek to foster a greater awareness of democratic values and good governance among young people.

The talks cover key topics such as the role and functions of the Ombudsman, highlighting how the Ombudsman acts as a mediator between the public and the government to ensure fairness and justice. They include real-life examples demonstrating the positive impact of the Ombudsman's interventions on public administration.

Additionally, the sessions explain the free services provided by the Ombudsman’s Office, detailing the investigation process and the Ombudsman's relationship with Parliament. Emphasis is placed on the relevance of these services to all citizens, including students.

A crucial aspect of the talks is an exploration of effective public administration. Discussions focus on the importance of transparency, accountability, and efficient governance, educating students about their rights to good public administration and how they can contribute to a transparent and accountable public sector.

The agreement to extend the talks to public secondary schools was reached after discussions between the Office of the Ombudsman and the Ministry for Education. Both parties recognise the importance of educating students about civic duties and the mechanisms that uphold democratic principles in Malta.

The Ombudsman's Office is committed to inspiring a new generation equipped to contribute positively to society.