Educating retirees through peer learning

THE Sligo branch of the University of the Third Age (U3A) group aims to educate retired people through peer learning.

U3A is an international movement which covers a wide range of activities and interests and at a very basic cost, making it affordable to all. U3A avails of public spaces such as community halls, libraries and theatres among others. As it is based on peer learning and sharing of knowledge, costs are kept to a minimum.

The activities covered by the Sligo U3A group so far include Italian and Irish conversation, drawing, introduction to bridge for beginners, and dance exercise including two-hand dances.

Most of these take place in the Hawk’s Well theatre on Monday afternoons from 3pm to 5pm, while the dancing and beginners Irish conversation take place in the Northside centre, Forthill on Wednesday afternoons from 3pm to 5pm. The only cost involved is a donation to the centre in each case.

These are just some of the many activities which can take place in the future.

U3A was set up in France in 1973 and has branches all over the world. Sligo’s U3A is affiliated to Age Action Ireland and there are already 25 branches of U3A in the 26 counties.

Anyone who would like further information can call 0872068159 or can just drop in to meet existingmembers on Monday or Wednesday afternoons. Detailed information can be found online.