A University of the Third Age in Warsaw, Poland

The first in an Eastern European country

Jean Thompson
University of the Third Age, Great Britain
May 2003

USING VOLUNTEERS

As in many of the early UTAs, University-level courses were run by University staff, but in addition, there were 'self-realisation groups' in languages, keep fit, creative writing, choirs, etc.

Because of difficult economic conditions, the students were also called on to volunteer for administrative work, excursions and theatre visits. They also ran a 'self-help team' to help fellow students in case of illness or other emergencies.

With Professor Halina Swarzc in charge, research work in gerontology was continued and international seminars organized. In this way, the Third Age University of Warsaw fulfilled all four of Professor Vellas's principles