Nearly 2400 learners participated in the University for Senior Citizens this year

This academic year’s last lecture of the UT University for Senior Citizens was held in Türi last week. In 2016/2017, approximately 2400 learners all over Estonia participated in the programmes of the University for Senior Citizens.

The University for Senior Citizens has drawn positive response and attitude both within the university and in Estonia as a whole. The number of participants and those who have completed the programme has increased every year. When the University for Senior Citizens was opened in Pärnu at the initiative of the college in the 2009/2010 academic year, 297 participants received the certificate. This year 1830 participants all over Estonia completed the programme. Over the years the activities of the University for Senior Citizens have expanded besides Pärnu to Tartu, Tallinn, Kuressaare, Türi, Narva, Valga and Keila. In Narva and Tallinn also lectures in Russian are offered.

The most popular lectures are still ones on health and cultural issues. In several regions also language courses, workshops and study trips are organised in addition to lectures. Project manager of the Tartu and Tallinn programmes of UT University for Senior Citizens Karmel Tall speaks highly of the regional coordinators of the university and encourages new learners to join the programme, “Studies at the University for Senior Citizens start traditionally in September. We expect all former participants to return and new inquisitive seniors to join us.”

Activities of the UT University for Senior Citizens are supported by local governments, the Gambling Tax Council, and private entrepreneurs. The average age of participants is more than 70 years. In 2015, the Ministry of Education and Research recognised the University of Tartu’s University for Senior Citizens with the title of the Learning Deed of the Year.

UT University for Senior Citizens has been established following the principles of lifelong learning in order to respond flexibly to societal changes and needs, and offer learning opportunities for various target groups.

Additional information: Karmel Tall, UT Project Manager for Continuing Education, 505 7433, karmel.tall@ut.ee

Viivika Eljand-Kärp
University of Tartu Press Officer
Tel: +(372) 737 5683
Mob: +(372) 5354 0689