The University of the Third Age, also referred to as U3A, is described by one of its members, Maureen Spiro, as a learning co-operative for third-agers.
Spiro explained that these third-agers are retired people who meet up on a regular basis to learn. Their weekly meetings are at the Rosebank Union Church, Sandton, and all members of the community are welcome to join them.
“We meet together and learn together, not for qualifications but for the sheer joy of discovery,” she said. “It’s objects and principles are to assail the dogma of intellectual decline with age.”
She further explained that U3A is a non-profit organisation which is not connected to any religious, racial or ideological affiliations.
Spiro said there was a list of learning activities for its members from French to creative writing to art. One of the members, Marie-Christine Gaillard, explained that their French teacher took them on a figurative journey around France and used creative teaching methods to help them visualize the different attractions in the country.
Their next event is being held at the Rosebank Union church on 19 April. Spiro stressed that this event had nothing to do with religion and that all were welcome.
This particular function will host guest speaker Vincent Carruthers who will give a talk entitled, Magaliesberg – A Sense of Time.
