The U3A (“University of 3rd Age”) Network of Hong Kong, co-founded by HK Electric and the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS) in 2006, today launches the “Smart Power Ambassadors Training Programme” for local retirees, encouraging them to promote environmental protection and energy efficiency in the community.
Speaking at today's U3A 2017-2018 Completion Ceremony, Managing Director of HK Electric, Mr. Wan Chi-tin, said: “With increasing public interest in environmental protection and issues arising from climate change, we decided to tap on and share our expertise in the electricity industry to groom local retirees to be ‘Smart Power Ambassadors’. They will help spread green messages through their own networks and contribute to building a greener and more sustainable Hong Kong.”
At today's ceremony, 29 Outstanding Third Age Citizens and U3A students received early admission for joining the training programme and pledged to be Grade 1 “Smart Power Ambassadors”.
Chairman of Elderly Commission, Mr. Lam Ching-choi welcomed the training programme with enthusiasm. He said, “I believe every U3A student joining the programme will live up to the roles and expectations in promoting green life, energy efficiency and conservation, bringing benefits to both the environment and the community they belong to.”
Enrolment will be open to all 51 self-learning centres under the U3A Network from now till mid-May, with training starting in October. Interested U3A students will take part in workshops and site visits covering global climate changes, green electricity generation, energy conservation and energy-saving tips. Ambassadors who complete the training programme will volunteer in promotional campaigns and activities commencing end of the year.
About 300 U3A students attended today's ceremony celebrating their achievements of organising over 800 classes offering more than 11,000 learning opportunities to the retired population. In recognition of the achievements they had made, awards were presented to outstanding students, teachers and centres.
Receiving the first prize award for being the most “outstanding student” was Ng Miu-yung who, having reached the age of 80, had completed 340 classes in 35 courses during the last two years. The “Most Outstanding Teacher” was Yip Pang-wai, a veteran U3A student leader who enjoyed sharing his knowledge and experience with other elderly students on IT application, eco-heritage, personal growth and team building.
The “Most Outstanding U3A Centre” went to Po Leung Kuk, with all its self-learning centres being completely run by U3A students. It also offered the highest number of courses, students and self-learning units within the entire U3A Network.
Chief Executive of the HKCSS, Mr. Chua Hoi-wai, concluded in today's ceremony: “U3A is a shining example in elderly learning as the HKSAR Government has openly acknowledged the benefits of self-motivated learning, management and volunteering. These elements are exactly what U3A has been advocating and we are glad to see the positive impacts they have on active aging.”
The U3A project is supported by the HK Electric Centenary Trust and co-ordinated by HKCSS. Elderly service agencies receive funding to run self-learning centres that provide courses conducted by the elderly for the elderly. Since its inception 12 years ago, more than 6,300 such courses had been arranged, providing more than 100,000 learning opportunities for local retirees. For more details on U3A, visit www.u3a.org.hk, or contact HKCSS at 2876 2427.