The University of the Third Age was founded in Toulouse, France, in 1972 to improve the quality of life for older people by bringing them into contact with academic programs run by the University. The idea spread rapidly in France with many universities either absorbing older people into existing academic programs or setting up courses especially for Third Agers. The success of the French experiment led to the setting up of U3A's in other countries.

In 1981 the U3A concept was introduced into England by a group based at Cambridge University. In contrast to the French practice, the English U3A's adopted a self-help or mutual aid university - a kind of intellectual democracy in which there would be no distinction between teachers and taught, thus harking back to the medieval concept of a university as a "community of scholars" where learning is an end in itself.

In these new-style U3A's there would be only members who would all participate, either by teaching, learning or assisting with planning and administration. No qualifications are required to enter, neither are any qualifications awarded. Individuals learn what they like, at the pace they prefer.

In 1984, the first Australian U3A was set up in Melbourne, based on the Cambridge model rather than the original French. U3A's have since been established throughout Australia. U3A Pine Rivers Campus Inc was established in 1993.

U3A's are voluntary self-help organisations. They tap the great reservoir of knowledge, skill and experience which is to be found among older people and which is often under valued or overlooked.

The "Third Age" is an exciting stage of life, when the heavy demands within the home and workplace have been fulfilled, and there is now time to do something for YOURSELF.

U3A is for the active Third Agers who wish to begin or continue learning for its own sake. Education is a continuing process. Retirement provides opportunity to follow other pursuits or start fresh ones.

Classes are held in private homes or halls during daylight hours, Monday to Friday, based on normal school terms.

The Organisation prides itself on being self-sufficient, without the need for financial assistance, yet the subscriptions are minimal.

Classes are planned jointly by tutors and students in response to members' interests. A tutor in one class is likely to be a student in another.

The qualities of a successful tutor are summed up as:

• having a sound knowledge of the subject.
• an ability to communicate with adults at various levels.
• and the ability to be able to share with others the interests which they have pursued for many years.

If you feel that you can contribute in this way, please discuss it with us. You may be able to tackle something which you have not previously tried, and no one ever knows what they can do till they try.

If you have a special subject or interest which you can share, we know that there are people waiting, eager to learn.

Further enquiries may be made by telephone to:

3321 0681

Or by mail to:

The Secretary U3A Pine Rivers Inc.

PO Box 11

STRATHPINE QLD 4500

Affiliated with COTAQ

U3A Pine Rivers Inc. PO Box 11 Strathpine Qld 4500 Ph. 3321 0681