SeniorInnenUni Krems

Communities score points with senior citizens’ enthusiasm for education

IMC Managing Director Ulrike Prommer, Gerda Zipfelmayer (80 years old), initiator of the "SeniorInnenUni" Heinz Boyer, Anita Steiner (55 years old) and Provincial Councillor Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister

(Bild: Gerhard Pfeffer)

Austria-wide pioneering project for lifelong learning scores points at IMC Krems with lots of "voluntary commitment" from pensioners.

As we all know, you never stop learning. The 55+ generation is currently following this motto again as part of the "SeniorInnenUni" at the IMC in Krems. In terms of training and further education, the four-semester course is all about "volunteering", which is very popular throughout the country. The course is aimed at senior citizens who want to be active and involved in the community, politics or even clubs and associations after retirement.

A total of 26 "students" between the ages of 55 and 80 are now going back to school. The commitment of the volunteers is not only emphasized in the curriculum - it is also to be promoted and implemented in concrete projects. What they have learned can then be put into practice in the communities, says Provincial Councillor Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister, who is also delighted with the voluntary commitment. Interest in the nationwide showcase project is growing steadily.