INTRODUCING THE UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE

JOHANNESBURG

WHAT IS U3A?

In a nutshell, U3A is a learning co-operative for ‘third agers.’ It is committed to providing life-long opportunities for people no longer in full-time employment and is a learning co-operative “by seniors, for seniors, with seniors.”

HOW DID IT START?

U3A began in France in 1972, under the aegis of the University of Toulouse. In the French model, faculty members and working academics are course facilitators and lecturers. With its spread to the UK and the realization that Third Agers had the skills to organize and teach their own autonomous learning groups, the nature of the organisation changed and this model has been enthusiastically adopted around the world. Today, U3A is a learning co-operative with objects and principles, inter alia, “to assail the dogma of intellectual decline with age”; “to provide from amongst the retired, the resources for the development and intensification of their intellectual, cultural and aesthetic lives”, “to create an institution … where there is no distinction between the class of those who teach and those who learn ….” The word ‘university’ in the name of the institution is used in its original sense, meaning a corporation of persons devoted to a particular activity, not necessarily intellectual. Its course leaders therefore are experienced volunteers. While some may be retired academics, many are amateur enthusiasts!

U3A IN SOUTH AFRICA

U3A in South Africa was launched in Cape Town in February 2000. The response was overwhelming, and the expanding membership enabled U3A in the Western Cape to start up other branches in the surrounding areas. Courses range from Astronomy to Women and Labour from the 19^th Century Onwards, Health through Meditation, to Poetry for Pleasure. In the U3A branches in South Africa, a core curriculum has often emerged. Most U3As have a language group, a creative writing group and others that represent an amazing breadth of experience and interest. There are science and technology studies, history and of course all the “ologies’. Many social and cultural activities such as bird watching, walking tours, visits and wine appreciation are also on offer.

REQUIREMENTS

U3A consists of groups of people who come together to share knowledge, skills and experience in an informal association of their own design. Small groups of members congregate in private homes to study and discuss a particular subject under the guidance of a course leader. Workshops, group outings and general meetings are also popular. Membership is open to all, irrespective of race, religion, politics or economic circumstances.

COURSE STRUCTURE

All course activities are held during the daytime on weekdays, a time slot that suits retired people. Each course seems to find its own syllabus and way of operating, by common consensus. However, there is a strong emphasis on participation and involvement, although no marks are awarded. At U3A, learning is for pleasure. No qualifications are required for admission and none are given since fellowship, and love of learning are the essential features here.

FEES

U3A groups charge a small annual membership fee, which enables you to attend monthly General Meetings and as many courses as you wish. Courses are normally held in members’ homes. U3A is not financially or academically exclusive as one of its core objectives is to foster a cross-cultural exchange.

THE JOHANNESBURG BRANCH OF U3A

The Johannesburg branch was launched in July 2001. The response was tremendous and we currently have over 500 registered members and continue to spread the word to as many communities of Third Agers as possible. Our Annual Membership Fee for 2008 is R 30. Do you have expertise in any subject? Would you enjoy sharing your knowledge with like-minded people? Would you welcome the opportunity to enrich your life by becoming involved in courses dealing with subjects which particularly interest you? If so, we invite you to become a member of the Johannesburg branch of the University of the Third Age.

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