What is U3A?
U3A is an acronym for University of the Third Age. It is derived from the idea that our lives go through three phases:
- Childhood and school
- Family creation and work
- Retirement (or semi-retirement).
It is in retirement/semi-retirement phase (the Third Age), that we can explore the concept of a university being a community of lively minds with limitless boundaries. It is a platform from which members who have knowledge in an area can share this with other members. This way all members can continue learning and socialising within the community.
U3A was originally founded in France and now has a huge international following. You can view more background detail by going to U3A Wikipedia page
How Kapiti U3A works
- You do not have to have a degree and there are no exams !
- Topics are determined by members who have an interest in a subject and are willing to lead an interest group. A group is proposed and promoted to members. If a sufficient number of people signup, the group goes ahead. A group may also have a convenor who will help the Leader with the running of the course.
- Groups are informal and often held in members’ homes.
- Not all groups have a cost, but when they do, the costs are kept to a minimum and members are notified in advance. Any charges will be to cover incidentals such as photocopying or maybe a cup of tea.
- Interest groups usually meet during the day.
You do not have to be an expert to lead an Interest Group; just have an interest, or perhaps a passion for a particular topic… or may be you could lead a discussion group and gain input from all of the participants.
If you might like to lead an Interest Group in an area of interest to you please contact any committee member.
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