The Legnica University of the Third Age at the Centre for Vocational and Continuing Education inaugurated the new 2014/2015 academic year.
“The University has always been a place where differing views meet and lively discussions take place,” said during the inauguration Izabela Stasiak-Kicielińska, director of CKZiU. “Our University is increasingly recognised and popular. The new year will bring new successes. You continue to give us fresh motivation to act,” she added, addressing the students.
The guest of the academic year inauguration was the mayor, Tadeusz Krzakowski. “I wish you a wonderful adventure at this university,” said the mayor. “The University is an important element of education in our city. I am counting on your ideas and cooperation in creating a city that is friendly to its residents. It is not our age, but our state of mind, that determines who we are.”
An excellent inaugural lecture on the senior years was delivered by Professor Adam Zych. LUTW students are highly committed people, curious about the world and developing their passions. Halina Sienkiewicz-Guz has been attending classes for four years. Her friend, Stanisława Kalet, for a year longer. They discovered their artistic talents at this university and have already held joint exhibitions. “This is where I started painting pictures,” admits Mrs Halina. “I had never done it before. Here, you are among people, developing and continuing your education.” “We leave the house. We go together on trips and to festivals and the cinema. And we learn, for example, languages, computer skills and many other useful things. We now have time for this, and we do not waste it,” adds Mrs Stanisława.
The Legnica University of the Third Age at the Centre for Vocational and Continuing Education has been operating for eight years. LUTW is a local-government public continuing-education institution that encourages older people to remain active. Its students are pensioners and disability-benefit recipients, regardless of their level of education. The institution’s activities focus on the intellectual, cultural, social and physical activation of its students. The University offers lectures and specialist seminars in psychology, social sciences, philological and historical studies, and health prevention, as well as lectures in various fields of science. Students can take part in numerous group classes developing individual interests, including language courses, computer classes, art history, mental gymnastics, visual arts, music—including choral singing—dance, physical activities and literature.
In 2010, the “Appassionata” choir was established at LUTW. It now has 30 members and has achieved nationwide success. The high standard of the lectures and seminars is guaranteed by academics from, among others, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, the University of Wrocław, the University of Opole and the State Higher Vocational School in Legnica.