Origins of the u3a
The seeds for 'Lifelong Learning for Older People' were sown at the Summer School of the Université du Troisième Age held in Toulouse in 1972. This led, within a year, to the formation of the International Association of u3as (AIUTA) whose aims are to promote active learning, research and community service among Third Agers worldwide.
The u3a in the UK was started by the creation of the 'Third Age Trust' in 1982 as a registered charity No.288007, and limited company No 1759471. Contrary to what was happening in France, there was no support from Universities. It was quickly realized, however, that Third Agers themselves had the skills to organize and teach in their own autonomous learning groups and local u3as were formed. Since we learn for the pleasure of it, no qualifications are required and none are given. There are now many 100's of u3as in the UK with over 200,000 members.
The seeds for 'Lifelong Learning for Older People' were sown at the Summer School of the Université du Troisième Age held in Toulouse in 1972. This led, within a year, to the formation of the International Association of u3as (AIUTA) whose aims are to promote active learning, research and community service among Third Agers worldwide.
The u3a in the UK was started by the creation of the 'Third Age Trust' in 1982 as a registered charity No.288007, and limited company No 1759471. Contrary to what was happening in France, there was no support from Universities. It was quickly realized, however, that Third Agers themselves had the skills to organize and teach in their own autonomous learning groups and local u3as were formed. Since we learn for the pleasure of it, no qualifications are required and none are given. There are now many 100's of u3as in the UK with over 200,000 members.