Author: Rosie King
The University of the 3rd
Age (U3A) is a worldwide group, which started in France in the 70’s to provide
opportunities to older people to pursue interests. The Ballarat branch has over 440 people
enjoying a wide variety of hobby and social learning activities across our
City. “Don’t get put off because it’s
called a University”, I’m assured by Micheal Doepel from U3A, as there is no
entry level, no exams, no age limits and no stress! There only stipulation is that members are
not engaged in full time employment.
According to a recent Federal
government report “Securing Success”, some older people are uncomfortable about
returning to learning - particularly those who have had a negative experience
of schooling or have had little or no interaction with new technology. There are definitely no pressures at U3A –
the experience is designed purely for satisfaction and fun.
U3A Volunteers who have a passion
and interest in a topic conduct the classes - many are retired tutors and
academics. You can “try before you buy”
by actually attending a class before you make a commitment to it, the class
times are very civilised as they don’t start before 9.30am and you don’t have
to feel guilty when you take holidays.
The learning year is from February to November and you can join any
class at any time.
The value and positive impact of
socialising with a like-minded group is well known. Many of the U3A members are retirees who have
relocated to Ballarat and have found membership to be a quick way to make new
friends. According to Doepel “you are guaranteed of a warm welcome”. There are walking groups who stop for
coffee, choirs who entertain at community houses and frequent trips away. You can enjoy classes in languages such as
French, Italian and Latin; have your senses enlivened by music appreciation and
art appreciation at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery. There are enough classes to keep you
stimulated for a lifetime – philosophy, literature, film, bridge, current
affairs, history and astronomy to name just a few.
Annual fee is $33.00
For more information contact
Michael Doepel on 53314628 or Brian Newell on 53360211
U3A is currently working with 3 other community groups
to develop the Golden Point Primary School with recently pledged funds from the
Community Support Fund. This government
funding will ensure that this vital facility will remain in our community.
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Ballarat - A Learning Comminty: News Item
