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History of the U3A
U3A - The University of the Third Age - is an international organisation that was first established at the University of Toulouse in France in 1972. The intention was to improve the quality of life for mature (retired) people by encouraging them to join existing academic programmes run by the local universities or short courses set up especially for them. The idea spread rapidly through France and then onto other parts of the world, leading in 1975 to the formation of an International Association of U3As (AIUTA) with the aim of promoting active learning, research and community service among Third Agers everywhere. In 1982 the U3A concept was introduced to Britain, but as adult education was well established in the UK (and Third Agers were clearly capable of managing their own affairs) the U3As quickly evolved away from the French model of university-provided courses to a mutual aid and self-help organisation. There is a reservoir of knowledge, skills and experience amongst retired people and in the British model this is tapped and put to use for the benefit of others. This more informal shared learning model based on peer group learning as distinct from academic institution-led learning has now been adopted by many other countries. The name of the organisation chosen by the French has been retained but the word university is used in the UK in its original sense, ie 'a collective of people devoted to a particular kind of activity or personal development'. It is not a system of formal education so there are no deadlines or examinations to sit, or any of the restrictions which normally accompany the word 'university'. It is simply learning for pleasure. The Third Age - active retirement - is an exciting stage of life when the heavy demands within the home and workplace have been fulfilled, and there is now time for personal fulfilment and development, ie for the older person to do something for HIMSELF or HERSELF.
The current situation in Britain
Local U3As are autonomous self-help organisations, bringing members with similar interests together to form common interest groups (ie interest/study groups). The individual activities of each U3A are planned and undertaken according to their members' wishes through elected committees. The U3As are all self financing on a non-profit making basis (charity status), with no political or religious influence or allegiance, and develop according to the needs and resources of their local areas. In Britain the vast majority of U3As are affiliated to the Third Age Trust, a member of AIUTA and a registered charity and limited company, with its operations controlled by a National Executive Committee elected by the members of the U3As. The Trust offers supporting services to the network of 731 affiliated U3As throughout the country, including insurance, legal advice, a resources centre, an annual conference, summer schools, study days, subject matter networks and computer training. The Trust also publishes a newsletter three times a year U3A News, and Sources, a quarterly educational bulletin, as well as helping with the formation of new U3As. 'On Line' learning packages are now being introduced, some being geared towards individual study, for the housebound, carers etc, whilst others will be geared towards group studies. A working group has also been set up to develop a Virtual U3A as a means of helping existing U3A members who are isolated (for whatever reason) but who wish to continue to participate in U3A activities, including membership of interest/study groups, by making use of computer technology and the internet.
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