{"id":12954,"date":"2025-05-20T09:59:56","date_gmt":"2025-05-20T07:59:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fundatia.moldcell.md\/?p=12954"},"modified":"2025-05-20T12:02:44","modified_gmt":"2025-05-20T10:02:44","slug":"universitatea-varstei-a-treia-din-balti-a-marcat-finalul-cursurilor-pentru-seniorii-din-nordul-tarii","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fundatia.moldcell.md\/en\/2025\/05\/20\/universitatea-varstei-a-treia-din-balti-a-marcat-finalul-cursurilor-pentru-seniorii-din-nordul-tarii\/","title":{"rendered":"The Third Age University in B\u0103l\u021bi concludes its courses for seniors from Northern Moldova"},"content":{"rendered":"

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More than 60 seniors from B\u0103l\u021bi and surrounding districts have successfully completed their studies at the Third Age University (U3A). The program concluded with a ceremony held on May 15 at Alecu Russo State University. Coinciding with the International Day of Families, the event brought together participants and their loved ones \u2013 children, grandchildren, and close relatives \u2013 in a warm and meaningful gathering.<\/p>\n

As part of the program, the 62 senior learners completed two modules: a digital skills development course, and an elective module of their choice \u2013 either English for seniors or wellbeing and intergenerational communication. The sessions were delivered in person at Alecu Russo State University and tailored to the group\u2019s learning pace and interests.<\/p>\n

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Natalia Ga\u0219i\u021boi, Rector of Alecu Russo State University<\/strong>, highlighted the institution\u2019s commitment to lifelong learning and intergenerational inclusion: \u201cIt was a privilege to host UV3 at our university. These senior learners have been truly inspiring, showing that learning doesn\u2019t stop with age. We thank them for their energy, curiosity, and willingness to engage.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Aliona Cre\u021bu, Head of the Demographic Policy Service at the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection<\/strong>, emphasized the program\u2019s role within national policy: \u201cU3A is part of a national vision that puts people at the center \u2013 at every stage of life. We applaud the seniors from B\u0103l\u021bi who chose to keep learning, growing, and staying active in their communities. Active aging is a strength for society as a whole.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

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Lilia Buimestru, Senior Consultant at the Ministry of Education and Research,<\/strong> shared her message to the participants: \u201cThere\u2019s a saying \u2013 as long as we live, we learn. The seniors in this program remind us how true that is, through their perseverance and curiosity. We\u2019re proud to see Moldovan universities becoming more inclusive and welcoming for all who want to learn.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Aliona Cristei, Population and Development Programme Analyst at UNFPA Moldova<\/strong>, reaffirmed the organization\u2019s dedication to active aging and lifelong learning: \u201cThis first group of graduates in B\u0103l\u021bi shows what\u2019s possible when relevant opportunities are made accessible. U3A is more than an education program \u2013 it\u2019s an investment in dignity, wellbeing, and participation. Your involvement tells us we\u2019re moving in the right direction.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Moldcell Foundation supported the learning journey by donating smartphones with internet access to help participants stay connected and engaged in the digital world. \u201cWe wanted to offer a practical tool \u2013 but more than that, we wanted to show that technology is for everyone, regardless of age. Congratulations to all participants on your journey and accomplishments,\u201d<\/em> said Irina Strajescu, Executive Director of Moldcell Foundation.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Among the graduates were individuals with hearing or speech impairments, as well as refugees from Ukraine. For many, the program was an opportunity to build new skills, connect with others, and feel part of a community again.<\/p>\n

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The Third Age University continues to grow nationwide, with more than 240 senior learners currently enrolled in Chi\u0219in\u0103u, Cahul, and B\u0103l\u021bi. The initiative is part of the National Program for Active and Healthy Aging 2023\u20132027, led by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, in partnership with UNFPA Moldova, the Ministry of Education and Research, host universities, the Moldcell Foundation, HelpAge, and AO Casmed, with support from the Governments of the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic.<\/p>\n

The program aims to expand access to lifelong learning for older adults across Moldova \u2013 providing a safe, inclusive, and motivating space for learning, connection, and active participation in community life.<\/p>\n

<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

More than 60 seniors from B\u0103l\u021bi and surrounding districts have successfully completed their studies at the Third Age University (U3A). The program concluded with a ceremony held on May 15 at Alecu Russo State University. Coinciding with the International Day of Families, the event brought together participants and their loved ones \u2013 children, grandchildren, and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":12963,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[78],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fundatia.moldcell.md\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12954"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fundatia.moldcell.md\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fundatia.moldcell.md\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fundatia.moldcell.md\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fundatia.moldcell.md\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12954"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/fundatia.moldcell.md\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12954\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12971,"href":"https:\/\/fundatia.moldcell.md\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12954\/revisions\/12971"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fundatia.moldcell.md\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12963"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fundatia.moldcell.md\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12954"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fundatia.moldcell.md\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12954"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fundatia.moldcell.md\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12954"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}