New U3A branch opens in Ruimsig
RUIMSIG – A new U3A branch will give more residents the opportunity to learn new skills even after they have retired.
University of the Third (post-retirement) Age is a learning co-operative for ‘third agers’. U3A began in France in 1972. The first South African U3A group started in 2000 in Cape Town and since grew to a membership of 10 000 people, with 25 independent local U3A branches in most provinces of South Africa.
According to U3A West Rand member, Marthie Coetzer, the group grew and she decided to launch a new branch of U3A in Ruimsig as many members reside in that region. According to Coetzer, U3A is a non-profit organisation for mature persons in partial or complete retirement. The organisation aims to provide intellectually-stimulating programmes of learning and social contacts arising therefrom.
U3A further aims to deliver these programmes through a voluntary, self-help community in which all members enjoy equal status. The U3A West Rand currently consists of 51 members.
“We aim to demonstrate that intellectual capacity can be maintained well into the third age,” said Coetzer. She further explained that any person can join for an annual fee of R50.
The introductory meeting will take place on at the Ruimsig Retirement Village hall on 12 April . “We have meetings once a month on every second Tuesday,” said Coetzer. She added that members can also join the special interest groups, which include music, writing, art, song and dance, chess, bridge, day trips, hiking, social events, board games, movies and holiday trips.
Details: Marthie Coetzer, 011 958 0982 or 083 297 9565.
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