In August, we reported that efforts had begun to establish a University of the Third Age in our city. The institution was to be—and was—established at the Oskar Lange Academy of Economics in Wrocław. The ceremonial opening of the academic year took place on 13 October at the Academy of Economics’ Branch Teaching Centre on Jana Pawła II Street. Six parliamentary candidates attended the ceremony, including Cezary Przybylski and Piotr Hetel—the latter also a graduate of the Wrocław academy.
The idea of establishing the Bolesławiec U3A emerged at the beginning of this year. The initiators were Wiesława Olczyk, Janina Woźniak, Zofia Roman, Kazimiera Zwierz and Bożena Szymczak. Thanks to the support of the city authorities, the institution began operating this autumn. By 12 October, 160 students had enrolled in classes. The students chose therapeutic gymnastics, English, German and computer science. The study programme also includes lectures not only in economics, but in other fields as well.
During the ceremony, Mayor Piotr Roman signed an agreement with the authorities of the Academy of Economics, under which the U3A officially began operating. In the presence of students and invited guests, an information plaque for the university was also unveiled.
“We know as much about ourselves as we have been tested”—these words by Wisława Szymborska were quoted by Wiesława Olczyk, one of the university’s initiators. Wiesława Olczyk expressed the hope that the newly opened institution would awaken in its students a desire for an active life and enrich them both intellectually and emotionally.
The purpose of Universities of the Third Age around the world is to improve older people’s quality of life, enable them to pursue lifelong learning and lead active lives—including intellectually active ones. There are approximately 130 institutions of this kind in Poland. The first Polish University of the Third Age was opened in Warsaw in 1975.
The opening of the Bolesławiec U3A coincided with the seventh inauguration of the academic year at the Bolesławiec Branch Teaching Centre of the Wrocław Academy of Economics. New students were presented with student record books, while those who achieved excellent academic results received letters of congratulations.
(information: Janina Woźniak/GA)