UNFPA Moldova has signed a Memorandum of Collaboration with "Bogdan Petriceicu - Hașdeu" State University in Cahul to promote lifelong learning opportunities for seniors. The agreement includes piloting the learning programs of the "University of the Third Age," tailored to the interests and needs of older people in Cahul.

Representatives from UNFPA Moldova, "Bogdan Petriceicu - Hașdeu State" University in Cahul, and Moldcell Foundation were present at the signing ceremony of the Memorandum.

"We are excited to expand the University of the Third Age initiative to Cahul. Throughout this year, UNFPA, together with Moldcell Foundation and the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection and the Ministry of Education and Research piloted this initiative at the State University in Chișinău to create opportunities for socialization and active participation of seniors in the community. In the context of demographic changes and population ageing, UNFPA supports initiatives that promote active and healthy aging, encouraging older people to become engaged members of society," said Karina Nersesyan, UNFPA Representative in Moldova. 

In the same context, Sergiu Cornea, rector of "Bogdan Petriceicu - Hașdeu State University" in Cahul, reiterated their commitment to promoting the University of the Third Age initiative in Cahul:

"We are pleased that by signing the Memorandum of Collaboration with UNFPA and Moldcell Foundation, we have launched the University of the Third Age in Cahul. "Bogdan Petriceicu - Hașdeu State University" is constantly seeking solutions for the development of the Southern Region of Moldova. What we signed today will create the basis for professional training and development, socialization, and meaningful time spent by seniors within our university. The region faces challenges related to an aging population, and in the University of the Third Age, we see a solution to create opportunities for seniors to prolong their youth, be proactive, and spend their time effectively."

Therefore, starting from September 2024, women and men aged 60+ will have access to classes on digital literacy, intergenerational communication, and well-being. Senior students will be selected based on a public competition, which will be launched in August 2024.

"The University of the Third Age" (UV3) is a pilot initiative launched by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Ministry of Education and Research, Moldova State University, and Moldcell Foundation. The aim of UV3 is to promote lifelong learning and encourage older people to age actively and healthily.