Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (3 April 2023) The Cayman Islands Airports Authority (CIAA), which operates the Owen Roberts International Airport (ORIA) and the Charles Kirkconnell International Airport (CKIA), was pleased to host a group of Triple C School students at ORIA for an enriching and rewarding learning experience.
The group consisted of 24 young students, ages 3 and 5 years old, who were accompanied by teachers, parents, grandparents and the Elementary Vice-Principal of the school for the field trip.
Preschool Teacher Mrs. Maureen Robinson explained that, as early education teachers, they know the importance of students engaging in practical lessons so that they can make the connection with what they are learning in school. “Both the Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten classes have been learning about Community Helpers, as well as transportation by land, air and sea and had previously visited the sea port to observe that mode of transportation. The teachers wanted to provide students with another real-life experience.”
The group first assembled in the Airport’s conference room where they engaged in a classroom style talk and presentation by CIAA Chief Safety Management Officer Andrew McLaughlin who showed an animated and educational video on the passenger’s airport journey from take-off to touch down and on the future of airports and travel. CIAA team members from Safety, Airport Security, Marketing and Customer Service then led the students on a guided walking tour around the Airport terminal, starting in the check-in hall where airline personnel simulated checking in the students for a flight by stamping their “passports” and handing them a “boarding pass”. The students continued their exploratory visit through Airport Security, the departures hall, airside, Customs Border Control and baggage claim where they enjoyed a “behind the scenes” look at aviation and air travel.
“We want to help the children open their minds to see that they can become anything that they want to be, so we felt that field trips, like this one, would be a step in the right direction.” stated Mrs. Robinson. “The students really enjoyed the entire airport experience, but the highlight of the tour was when the students had to give their boarding passes and passports to the boarding agent. When she stamped their boarding passes and handed it back to them, it was amazing to see how their little faces lit up! They also loved the video presentation and were intrigued to learn that in certain countries, families will one day be able to fly to school from their homes.”
She concluded by sharing that one student said about the tour, “The most amazing part is that soon I will be able to fly a plane to school.”
“I was delighted to host these students for an airport tour and to give them an educational experience they would remember,” said CIAA Chief Safety Management Officer Andrew McLaughlin. “They were genuinely excited to be here and learn about the different functions and processes of the airport. It is extremely rewarding to witness such young students’ express interest in the Aviation industry.”
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