Ernakulam to host employment exchange for the elderly

Kochi: How about an employment exchange for senior citizens who wish to work post-retirement in fields such as teaching? Yes, it’s in the offing. The initiative, part of the University of Third Age (U3A) programme of the Ernakulam district administration, will be launched here on Wednesday. “The website ‘U3Akerala.com’ will be launched by the Ernakulam Sub Collector at a function to be held at Sacred Heart College, Thevara on Wednesday evening. Senior citizens looking for jobs can register in it for free with their experience and qualifications. Employers too can register and find appropriate candidates,” said Balu James, Co-ordinator, ‘Age-Friendly Ernakulam’.

The jobs will be more skill-oriented ones like teaching and consulting. The development comes even as the first batch of 45 senior citizens successfully completed their skill-training course under the ‘Age-Friendly’ education programme. “This is also part of the U3A initiative and the convocation ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday. The response for the classes is heartening. The main aim of such measures is to keep senior citizens engaged and not get pushed to lead lives of solitude,” the official said.

The courses will soon be started at four more colleges – St Teresa’s, Rajagiri, St Alberts and the Bharat Mata, besides the existing Sacred Hearts College, Tevera. “We have reached an agreement with these colleges,” he said. The classes will be held three days a week – Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. "We have worked out study modules using the feedback received from the first course," the official added. Over 500 college students have already registered to be resource personnel. Initially computer courses will be offered and they will be provided Microsoft certification upon completion.