Founded in 1981 by three friends embarking on what the French call the ‘third age’ of their lives, The University of The Third Age (U3A) is a programme aimed at providing life-long learning for those no longer in full time employment.
Founded in 1981 by three friends embarking on what the French call the ‘third age’ of their lives, The University of The Third Age (U3A) is a programme aimed at providing life-long learning for those no longer in full time employment.
With the Grahamstown group being started by Helen Crawford in Grahamstown in 2008, the U3A encourages locals to join the happy band of retirees to enjoy a wide variety of courses lead by professionals in their various fields.
“There are three stages in one’s life – the first stage during the years of study, the second which involves putting this knowledge to practice and the third where one has the opportunity to do what you want to do,”says Crawford.
With close to 60 members, the society held their opening for the year on Thursday, 28 January offering courses ranging from poetry to orchestral music, geology and photography.
Courses offered for the year even include a whisky course presented by Nick Stavrakiswhere members will
learn the history of the industry and “taste the goods”.
Claire de la Harpe, who grew up in Queenstown and studied at Rhodes University, entertained the large crowd with anecdotes of her stint working with Western Province Rugby and Stormers Super twelve teams.
With the U3A motto being “Those who teach shall also learn and those who learn shall also teach,” the society welcomed many new members.
“I have met so many people, I love it. It’s great for the old brain,” said Hilary Allen, one of Grahamstown
U3A’s founding members.
The society charges a R30 subscription fee and encourages both young and the young at heart to join. Those
interested can contact Helen Crawford on 046 622 7738.
