“The initiative came from us. Our goal is to make quality education available to seniors who do not live within reach of university towns. Six existing branches have now been joined by another – this time in Znojmo,” said Kateřina Pevná, head of the MENDELU Senior Education Department. Last year, the Senior Education Department implemented the South Moravian Senior Academy focused on safety issues, which was funded by the South Moravian Region. This year, the newly opened branch of the classic University of the Third Age follows on from this in terms of both program and organization.

Classes in Znojmo will begin on October 13 and will take place every Monday from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the building of the Gymnasium, Secondary Pedagogical School, Business Academy, and Language School with the right to conduct state language exams on Přemyslovců Street. “Over the past year, seniors have become accustomed to regular attendance, and new participants have joined. Currently, seventy participants are enrolled, which is the full capacity of the course. At this point, we are accepting substitutes,” added Pevná. Currently, there are branches of the MENDELU University of the Third Age in Bruntál, Kyjov, Lednice, Rožnov pod Radhoštěm, Velké Pavlovice, and Vyškov.

Unlike the South Moravian Senior Academy, which focused exclusively on safety, the University of the Third Age offers a wider range of topics. Lectures are based on accredited MENDELU programs and often reflect the specifics of the region. “Interest in safety topics continues, which is why we will also offer a lecture on internet safety in Znojmo. Seniors can also look forward to topics such as the history of Mendel University, contemporary genetics in the context of Mendel’s work, the nature of the Podyjí National Park, and information about the local high school,” Pevná explained.

Teaching is provided by both MENDELU academic staff, who travel to the regions, and teachers from local secondary schools. Lectures are often supplemented by other interesting personalities from the region.

“We strive to offer a diverse mix of topics that are relevant to seniors and also respond to local specifics. The program also includes excursions and guided tours. Their destinations are based on the interests of the participants – we often visit university facilities such as the MENDELU arboretums, the Thematic Gardens in Lednice, or the Agricultural Enterprise in Žabčice,” added Pevná. Each semester consists of ten lectures, each lasting three teaching hours. The course lasts two years and concludes with a graduation ceremony in the MENDELU auditorium.