Modelling after a popular TV programme, U3A students illustrate the many creative courses they organised through seven tailor-made dishes. Two U3A “magicians” from Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council demonstrate what they have learnt at the ceremony – the Black Magic. U3A students from Asian Outreach Hong Kong performing Chinese drum. U3A students from Po Leung Kuk sing to celebrate their knowledge and friendship gained after a year of studies at U3A. Executive Councillor Mr. Henry Fan Hung- ling announces that U3A students of 2007-08 have successfully completed their studies.                    (From left) Mr. Tso Kai-sum, Mr. Henry        Fan Hung-ling and Ms. Christine Fang         launch the first website on U3A, which         will officially operate in April. Knowing that Mr. Fan loves horses, U3A student Wong Wai-leung (left) presents him with a horse painting by herself as a token of thanks for his support. A memorable moment: all officiating guests and U3A students pictured at the end of the completion ceremony.

Modelling after a popular TV programme, U3A students illustrate the many creative courses they organised through seven tailor-made dishes. Two U3A “magicians” from Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council demonstrate what they have learnt at the ceremony – the Black Magic. U3A students from Asian Outreach Hong Kong performing Chinese drum. U3A students from Po Leung Kuk sing to celebrate their knowledge and friendship gained after a year of studies at U3A. Executive Councillor Mr. Henry Fan Hung- ling announces that U3A students of 2007-08 have successfully completed their studies.                (From left) Mr. Tso Kai-sum, Mr. Henry     Fan Hung-ling and Ms. Christine Fang     launch the first website on U3A, which     will officially operate in April. Knowing that Mr. Fan loves horses, U3A student Wong Wai-leung (left) presents him with a horse painting by herself as a token of thanks for his support. A memorable moment: all officiating guests and U3A students pictured at the end of the completion ceremony.

Life for retirees attending the University of the 3rd Age (U3A) is like enjoying a banquet with numerous delicacies. At the Completion Ceremony for U3A 2007-08 today, students illustrated the special courses they attended through seven different dishes. The vivacity of the performances showed how rich and fulfilling retired life can be today.

The dishes included two appetisers, four main courses and a dessert -- all tailor-made to demonstrate the wide variety of U3A classes, such as workshops on traditional gourmet, sign language, crystal accessories, personal blogs, magic and Chinese drumming techniques.

To continue its support of U3A to encourage life-long learning and community service, HK Electric will sponsor six more elderly service agencies to enter the U3A network this year, making a total of 19 self-learning U3A centres throughout the territory.

Today’s ceremony was officiated by Executive Councillor, Mr. Henry Fan Hung-ling, HK Electric’s Managing Director, Mr. Tso Kai-sum, and the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS), Ms. Christine Fang. They also announced the launching of the U3A website (www.u3a.org.hk), which will go on-line next month. The website will allow U3A students to share information and resources and further foster U3A’s development in Hong Kong.

With 30 years of part-time law studies, Mr. Fan is particularly supportive of life-long learning. While people are generally living longer nowadays, he said learning was the best way to lead a meaningful retired life. Supporting the U3A learning approach of “Self-Initiating”, “Self-Learning”, “Self-Teaching” and “Self-Managing”, he said it was important to allow seniors to exercise their creativity and autonomy in pursuing knowledge and their interests.

The U3A project is sponsored by the HK Electric Centenary Trust and coordinated by HKCSS. Elderly service agencies receive funding to set up self-learning centres providing courses conducted by the elderly and for the elderly. Over the past year, the network has organised nearly 200 classes, with more than 2,900 participants.

Since the network was launched in 2006, nearly 400 classes have been held attracting more than 5,500 students. In recognition of its benefits to the community, the programme was named an outstanding partnership project at the annual Caring Company recognition ceremony earlier this year.

Mr. Tso said he was impressed and encouraged by the programme’s success. “Caring for the elderly has always been an important part of realising our corporate social responsibilities. I am very pleased to see how U3A has brought along a richer life for the elderly in only two years.”

“HK Electric is delighted to continue supporting the programme. Apart from further promoting U3A, we will continue to organise visits and workshops for U3A students, as well as sharing with them our corporate knowledge and expertise,” Mr. Tso added.

Ms. Fang said that as the U3A entered its third year of operation, it would continue to grow through Asia’s first U3A website, where more people would get to know the potential and talents of 3rd age citizens, and how they created a quality retired life while continued serving the community.

The six newly appointed elderly agencies are C & M A Riviera Gardens Elderly Learning Centre, HKYWCA Ellen Li District Elderly Community Centre, Caritas District Elderly Centre – Yuen Long, Tsung Tsin Mission of Hong Kong 150 Jubilee Social Centre for the Elderly, Hong Kong Baptist Hospital Au Shue Hung Health Centre, and Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Wilson T. S. Wang District Elderly Community Centre.

Classes to be organised will include “Fun with Soduku”, “Getting Smart with Your Money”, “Know Your Mobile Phone”, “What’s New Today” and “Guided Tour of Architectural Buildings”, etc. For details of U3A, please visit HKCSS website www.hkcss.org.hk/el/U3A2007.htm.