Mendel University in Brno, in cooperation with the Brno-Komín city district, is opening a new branch of the University of the Third Age. This is the very first U3A MENDELU branch located directly within the city of Brno outside the university campus, and at the same time the eighth branch in the entire network. The ceremonial opening of the courses will take place on Thursday, 12 February, with regular sessions held from 14:00 to 16:30. The main topics will focus on nature, the environment, and the relationship between humans and the landscape. Lectures will be delivered not only by MENDELU academics but also by individuals closely connected to the Komín district.
The initiative to establish the branch came directly from the Brno-Komín district, which has long supported active ageing and community engagement among seniors. “I see education for seniors through the University of the Third Age at Mendel University as a meaningful opportunity to stay active, enjoy learning, and not feel alone. It is not only about gaining new knowledge, but also about meeting others and sharing experiences. I am pleased that some of the lecturers will be experts living in Komín. I strongly supported opening a U3A branch here, as I consider education a natural part of a good quality of life at any age,” said Komín mayor Milada Blatná.
The decision to open the branch in Komín was based on strong local demand. MENDELU typically runs its University of the Third Age directly on campus and establishes new branches mainly outside Brno. “We have long aimed to make quality education accessible even to seniors who do not have daily contact with the university environment or broader cultural opportunities,” added Kateřina Pevná, Head of the Senior Education Department at the Institute of Lifelong Learning of MENDELU.
The University of the Third Age is not only about lectures and acquiring new knowledge. Its social dimension is equally important—it creates a safe and friendly environment where seniors can form new friendships, share life experiences, and remain active members of the community.
Interest in studying at the new branch has been exceptionally high. Registration took place at the beginning of the year, and within a short time more than forty seniors signed up, fully reaching the branch’s capacity. Applications are no longer being accepted, which confirms the long-term trend of growing interest among seniors in further education.
Classes will normally take place in the renovated premises of the Old Fire Station in Komín. However, the first sessions will temporarily be held at Pastviny Primary School.
The new Komín branch complements the existing U3A MENDELU network, which includes Bruntál, Rožnov pod Radhoštěm, Kyjov, Vyškov, Lednice, Velké Pavlovice, and Znojmo. These branches fulfil the university’s vision of bringing education closer to where people live and supporting active, meaningful, and socially engaged ageing.
Contact for further information:
Mgr. Bc. Kateřina Pevná
+420 604 343 377
katerina.pevna@mendelu.cz
Head of the Senior Education Department, Institute of Lifelong Learning, MENDELU