Kochi: University of Third Age (U3A), first of the major initiatives planned under the ‘Age-Friendly Ernakulam’ programme, will be kicked off at the Sacred Hearts College, Thevara, on Wednesday.
“The SH College will start skill development courses from next week to all, especially senior citizens, without any age barrier. The initiative is done in joint co-ordination with the district panchayat, the Lakeshore Hospital and MAGICS, an NGO. Initially computer classes will be offered to a batch of 25 senior citizens,” said Balu James, Co-ordinator, Age-Friendly Ernakulam.
The ‘U3A’ initiative is the first of its kind across the country. A group of 25 college students has been selected as resource personnel.
An hour-long class will be provided daily (4.30 pm to 5.30 pm) besides two-hour long session every Saturday.
“We’ve capacity for 60 persons in our laboratory and more resource personnel will be included based on the candidate strength (1:1 ratio). Geriatric patients will comprise a major share of the beneficiaries. We already had a workshop with them when they were taught to make paper bags,” said Dr Fr Prasanth Palackappillil, Principal, SH College.
Kalady Sanskrit College Vice Chancellor Dr M C Dileep Kumar will launch the initiative while district collector M.G. Rajamanickam will be the chief guest.
