Beyond the scope of educating and stimulating retired members of the community, the University of the Third Age (U3A) is now reaching out to support future generations. The U3A Kottayam District Unit has initiated a five-day career guidance programme for school students aimed at raising awareness about higher education opportunities in Kerala. The programme was inaugurated by Dr. C.T. Aravindakumar, the Vice Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University, during a function held at the University.

Sixty students, ranging from standard 8 to plus two, hailing from various schools in Kottayam, are participating in the programme. Organisers highlighted that many students opt for institutions outside the state due to insufficient awareness about higher education facilities within Kerala. This programme aims to address that gap,they added.

Representatives of the students shared their aspirations for the future during the event. Dr. P.T. Baburaj, the Director of the Inter University Centre for Disability Studies, presided over the function. Among those present were U3A representatives James Joseph, G. Shobhana, Dr. Sabu Yonannan, Mathew Manavikam, P. Prakashan, Leena Luckose, Prof. Jiji Abraham, Adv. Sunilkumar, Dr. Sreekumara Menon, and C.K. Lakshmanan. Participants of the camp had the opportunity to visit various study departments within the University campus.