|
|
 |
| A A Larger text |
|
|
|
 |
|
| |
Page Last Updated:
Wednesday, 25 July 2012
|
|
|
|
|
Home>Older Persons and Ability Support>U3A - University of the Third Age
U3A Colac Otway is proud to be part of a world wide University of the Third Age movement. In U3A, we feel we are part of a university in the original sense of the word: a community of people with a love of learning for its own sake.
U3A Colac Otway encourages Lifelong Learning for members and the community; believing it extends knowledge and promotes the acquiring of new skills which contribute to personal development. It also provides opportunities for new friendships and the social contacts important for the health and well-being of older people.
Visit our office at Kanyana 55 Hesse Street Colac. The office is staffed by volunteers and is open Monday to Friday 10-12 noon.
Telephone: (03) 5231 4435
E-mail:u3acolaco@gmail.com
|  | | |
 Background
U3A In Victoria
Who can join U3A?
Courses
Membership and Costs
| Background | | The University of the Third Age began in 1972 on the Continent at the University of Toulouse, France. Professor Pierre Vellas began it as a Summer School course of concerts, music and intellectual pursuits for retired people during the university vacation.
It proved enormously popular with students who demanded more and from there the concept spread through France and to the rest of the Continent.
When the U3A movement came to England to Cambridge, they changed it to be more democratic and self-sufficient, and no longer under the control of the universities. The Cambridge Model asked only that U3A members come together for a love of learning for its own sake.
They gain knowledge and satisfaction from learning and helping others to learn; they believe joining a U3A is a matter of personal choice. U3As in Britain and Australia continue to operate along these lines today.
 Top
| |
| U3A In Victoria | | The U3A concept arrived in Australia first at Monash University in Melbourne, in 1984.
It spread rapidly and soon there were eleven U3As. Two years later in 1986 it came to Geelong, at The Gordon TAFE and there are now more than 80 groups in Victoria.
Victoria’s U3As now join together under U3A Network-Victoria Inc., which advises government on behalf of all U3As. It is administered by a committee elected by a delegate from each U3A.
U3A Colac Otway was established in 2005 with the support of Colac Adult & Community Education Inc., the Colac Otway Shire and the Primary Care Forum.
Top
| |
| Who can join U3A? | | | There are no qualifications required for membership and we do not award any. Top
| |
| Courses | | What Courses are there?
U3A Colac Otway offers courses that we feel will appeal to the people of this region. As interest is shown and tutors are found we hope to provide a larger and broader list of subjects. We are already running the following courses and have more planned for next year:
Armchair Travel
Beer Tasting
Community Singing
Computer classes, including internet and email
Embroidery
Film Group
French Conversation
Gardners Group
Gourmet Connection
Lifeball
Our Otways
Patchwork and Quilting
Scrabble Club
Share Market
Swing and Big Band Music
Theatre Group
Wine Appreciation
Woodwork
Writers Guild
Where when and how are classes held?
Classes are held at various locations around the district. They are held in the daytime.
Teaching varies - lectures, demonstrations, taking part in discussions, or practical activities.
There are no exams. Some classes may continue for four terms and some may be short courses. Classes usually close in School Holidays.
Top
| |
| Membership and Costs | | Membership conditions
It is simple to become a member, fill in the application form and pay the subscription. Committee must approve all applications. No qualifications are required for membership. You will need to enrol in each class you would like to join. Most will have limited numbers.
What is the cost?
We keep the membership subscription as low as possible; currently the fee is $30.00 annually including GST. Couples who join pay a discounted fee of $45 per couple.
The Membership fee covers the class cost for all courses we offer, but students have to pay for materials in classes such as Beer Tasting, Patchwork and Quilting, Wine Appreciation and Woodwork. Some classes collect a coin to pay for photocopying or for a coffee break.
Membership
For application forms ring the U3A Office on 5231 4435.
Top
| |
| |
|