Zahedan University of Medical Sciences launched the first virtual University of the Third Age (vU3A) in 2018

The University of the Third Age (U3A) was first launched in Zahedan University of Medical Sciences in April 2012 as part of the events celebrating the International World Health Day, with the theme of "Ageing and Health."

Zahedan University of Medical Sciences launched the Iran-first virtual University of the Third Age (vU3A) in 2018

Report from: ZAUMS Family, population & School Health Department
Published on: 23 April 2018

The U3A membership eligibility: "U3A membership is not related to a specific age but to a period in one"s life (the third age) after the second age of full-time employment and parental responsibility". Anybody in their third age can join U3A and this includes people who are working part-time. Membership includes many with experience and expertise in almost all walks of life and letters. Participants need to be 55 years and older and have a high school diploma. The duration of the courses are planned as one month period. The lecturers include public health experts working in the Sistan and Blaouchestan Provincial Health Center, university lecturers from the School of Public health, and medical doctors affiliated with the Zahedan University of Medical Sciences. All the lecturers are experts in their individual fields and highly regarded for their intellect and contributions to their respected disciplines.

Sistan & Balouchestan Province dwells a scattered population and districts other than Zahedan do not have enough human resources with public health expertise for establishing routine U3A courses. As part of the National Health Week events, ZAUMS launched a virtual U3A that included a total of 20 participants from Khash, Saravan, Nikshahr districts. It is worth mentioning that Nikshahr is affiliated with Iranshahr Faculty of Medicine.

The Virtual U3A or vU3A is like a routine U3A training course except that its classes take place on the internet, via video-conferences. An important target group for the vU3a is older people who are isolated through location, illness or immobility - but all are welcome. The vU3A does not create or deliver formal structured online courses.
In the vU3A, the theoretical classes that are held via video-conferences, are coupled with every other day filed activities organized by district health centers. These include a wide range of activities such as gardening, book keeping, arts etc.

The vU3A enrollment is free of charge. All that"s needed to study online is access to a computer, tablet or other device with an Internet connection - and some basic computing skills. We offer a wide variety of course subjects which can be studied at any level of interest. We aim to provide something for everyone, so our courses may vary in length and depth.