The University of Lincoln, UK, is hosting an information event to discuss the idea of creating a new Children’s University in Lincolnshire on Friday, 23rd May.
Children’s Universities give children aged between 5-14 years’ old an opportunity to enrich their learning experiences via accredited activities such as museum visits, lectures and language clubs.
By collecting stamps in a passport, children can graduate as Children’s University undergraduates, or even as Masters or PhD students – complete with cap and gown at a special ceremony.
The information event, which runs from 9.30am until 1pm, aims to gather any organisations and individuals together who may be interested in working in partnership with the University of Lincoln to create a Children’s University.
The University would support the accreditation of activities with 15-20 trained student volunteers, plus admin support and a dedicated day-to-day coordinator.
Organiser Dr Emile van der Zee, Principal Lecturer in the School of Psychology, University of Lincoln, said:
“A Lincolnshire Children’s University would give children in the county the opportunity to experience learning as a fun activity outside of normal school hours. Research has shown that children who participate in Children’s University activities achieve more, are better school attenders, and are more confident and happier learners.
“This is an excellent opportunity for local schools, museums, clubs, local authorities and businesses to work in partnership with the University of Lincoln to improve the lives of our children. All children are welcome to participate in accredited activities, but local Children’s Universities especially focus on the participation of children who would normally not be in a position to be able to widen their learning experiences.”
The Lincolnshire Children’s University would be a local branch of the Children’s University Trust which already has more than 110 local branches in England.
The information event, which will be held in the EMMTEC building on the University’s Brayford campus, will include a buffet lunch.
To register please e-mail rhewson-heathorn@lincoln.ac.uk by noon on Monday, 19th May.