The Free Internet Cafe for the Blind & Visually Impaired, the first in the whole of Africa, which opens the World Wide Web, making The Gambia a leading light in Africa, with this technology by allowing free and total access to surf the net send and receive emails and for students to enhace their studies with the aid of this pioneering software. No more do they need to rely on a third party to read to them newspapers, magazines, books, letters and world wide information. Nonvision.KingfisherGambia.com - U3A (novice)
 

U3A

U3A website (opens in new window )

Level: novice

A Guide to the University of the third age

What is U3A?

U3A is the University of the Third Age. There aim is to help you pursue learning not for qualifications, but for fun and to continue with the lifelong learning ethos.

The U3A is a self-help idea, consisting of several U3A’s all over the UK, run entirely by volunteers who have knowledge in a particular subject. The aim is on relaxed fun, with the teachers learning as much as the students, not for qualification purposes. Groups can be as big as 2000 or as small as 12.

A trademark of U3A learning is "the teachers learn and the learners teach." Meaning everyone can put forward their knowledge and if the other members wish this it can be expanded on.

For those who struggle to attend the U3A courses due to mobility issues or disability, there is also a range of online courses, again purely for fun and learning. Subjects include art history, writing and gardening.

The U3A’s are aimed at those in their third age – after full time employment and parental responsibility. There is no lower age restriction however. If you’re still working full time, you may well not be accepted into a U3A.

Using U3A

There is a lot of information to be gained by following links on the homepage, for instance read about U3A, what it stands for and what its aims and beliefs are, then click on online courses to see what’s available.

Clicking "local u3A website list" will do exactly what you’d expect! There is a big list (well 4 pages) of those U3A’s which have websites, which of course isn’t all of them, but it’s a good starting point. It seems you have to browse these, so as they’re alphabetical, the find function can have a good workout here!

The easiest way, however, to find your local U3A is to select the "find a U3A" link from the homepage. You will then be provided with links to search by map, town or postcode. If selecting the postcode option, you can enter this then select the distance you’re willing to travel.

If there are any U3A’s in your area you will be provided with the name, the phone number for the secretary/organiser and the website of that particular U3A (if applicable). This is easier than browsing the website listings.

Once you’ve found your U3A it’s best to phone up (or visit the website initially) to see what’s on offer and how they can help you, especially if you have a disability.

The only other thing of great importance on the homepage is the log in form, for when you’re registered, this is located near the top of the page.

You can register for online courses online, but you have to be a member, or associated member of an actual U3A group first. The application form for online courses looks perfectly accessible though.

Navigation suggestion

The website is quite cluttered, and things don’t appear where you’d expect. The search functions provided work well though, so couple this with the Control F for find and it makes life easier. There are headings but they seem somewhat sporadic!

 

The Free Internet Cafe for the Blind & Visually Impaired, the first in the whole of Africa, which opens the World Wide Web, making The Gambia a leading light in Africa, with this technology by allowing free and total access to surf the net send and receive emails and for students to enhace their studies with the aid of this pioneering software. No more do they need to rely on a third party to read to them newspapers, magazines, books, letters and world wide information.