Kochi: Knowledge has no age barriers! The Sacred Hearts College, Thevara, will start skill development courses for people of all ages, including senior citizens, by this month end as part of an initiative under ‘Age-Friendly Ernakulam’.
“SH College will start skill development courses in two weeks which will be open to all without any age barriers. The initiative is being carried out in joint co-ordination with the district panchayat and a leading city hospital. Initially computer classes will be offered,” said Dr Fr Prasanth Palackappillil, Principal.
A group of 25 college students has been selected as Resource Personnel. An hour-long class will be held daily (4.30 pm to 5.30 pm) besides a two-hour long session every Saturday.
“We have a 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,” he said.
The initiative is part of the University of Third Age (U3A) that aims at providing training to retired and elderly persons. The learning programme would provide them the opportunity to learn new skills, start new business and find post retirement employment, said Balu James, Co-ordinator, ‘Age-Friendly Ernakulam’.
