The University of the Third Age (U3A) is a lifelong learning programme that focuses on the mental activities of older people. The main mission is to provide university information , knowledge and skills to people in the post-productive age and, above all, to take advantage of intergenerational learning. With the help of the programs, seniors have the opportunity to meet with the latest knowledge in history, medicine, medicine, culture and the like in a qualified and university-level manner. Thanks to this education, seniors can maintain mental freshness, mental well-being, gain new information, and most importantly, their studies will help prevent them from becoming socially isolated.
Lifelong learning programmes of the University of the Third Age are usually intended for applicants who have reached retirement age and have secondary education with a school-leaving examination. The university also allows all war veterans who fought for our freedom to enroll in U3A programs without proof of secondary education. People often reach retirement age in good physical and mental condition, they are interested in new knowledge, what is happening around them and want to develop further. Despite their age, they have their own life goals that they want to fulfill.
One of many examples is the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, which provides information on the economic, agronomy, forestry-economic, agricultural economics of the tropics and subtropics, as well as education. The study is not a substitute for comprehensive higher education, but graduates receive a certificate of completion. The topics provide general, hobby and non-professional education at the university level to older people.
Participants do not have the status of a student, but they can use the library, computer lab, projection laboratory, swimming pool, gym, etc. throughout their studies.
Lecture cycles are usually 4 semesters long. There are 12 lectures in each semester, which are supplemented by excursions and workshops. At the end, the seniors will receive a certificate at the graduation ceremony in the school auditorium. Participants must pay a small tuition fee, but also have a minimum set attendance and write regular tests. After graduation, seniors can continue on to other educational programs.
Similar programmes are also offered by Charles University and some other universities.
The city of Chrudim also cooperates with the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague. The Municipal Library provides registration, teaching facilities, transport to excursions, and also library staff accompany graduates to the award ceremony.

https://u3v.czu.cz/cs/r-12068-o-u3v
https://www.ff.cuni.cz/studium/dalsi-vzdelavani/univerzita-tretiho-veku/
https://www.ff.cuni.cz/studium/dalsi-vzdelavani/univerzita-tretiho-veku/
https://www.knihovna-cr.cz/vzdelavani-tretiho-veku-jaro-2024
 

DIRECT SDGs:
SDG 4 Lifelong learning opportunities for all.

INDIRECT SDGs:
SDG 3 Promote well-being for all at all ages.

Justification:
SDG 1 An opportunity for quality tertiary education for seniors .  

SDG 3 Ensuring mental development and well-being for seniors.

1. What does U3A mean?
2. How long is education at U3A? 
3. What are the target groups?
    

Ludmila Kabelová, Michaela Vachunová and Roxana Vachunová
Spolek absolventů a přátel zemědělské školy v Chrudimi z.s.