U3A - UNIVERSITY of the THIRD AGE -(Post Retirement)

                        ATLANTIC SEABOARD

Is a learning and social co-operative for senior citizens from all walks of life. No qualifications are required, and none given.

3A started in France in 1972 as a project of the University of Toulouse. On expanding into the UK it became the autonomous movement we know, depending solely on the capacity of it’s own retired members to contribute their knowledge and skills. In that form it has spread and flourished in more than thirty countries worldwide.

At the beginning of the millenium it took root in South Africa, and now our current national membership comprises twenty four independent local U3As I Gauteng, Kwazulu-Natal, and Western, Southern and Eastern Cape. We actively encourage membership from across the spectrum. Costs are minimal, allowing free access to courses and meetings of any South African U3A.

The basis of U3A Cape Town is about fifty small study and discussion groups on an unrestricted range of topics, held in private homes, libraries and retirement villages. These ongoing community based study groups and other activities such as outings or workshops are led by retired volunteers with expertise and enthusiasm. Our expanding course base is limited by the supply of willing and able course leaders.

Activities are held daytime on weekdays, which suits retired people.

U3A Cape Town venue is the Baxter Theatre, Main Road, Rondebosch where open general monthly meetings are held at 9.30am for 10am on the last Thursday of every month and are addressed by an eminent guest speaker.

U3A Atlantic Seaboard similarly hold their meetings at Sea Point Place, Seapoint at 10.am for 10.30am on the second Thursday of each month, with excellent speakers. This venue offers some members more convenient access, and more localised group meetings, with all the same facilities. Contact: hilmorris@mweb.co.za

Our objective is to be a university in the original sense of the word. An egalitarian community of teachers and learners, sharing interests and enthusiasms. There is a very real need for accessible and stimulating educational opportunities at a stage in life when people can expect to have more free time for self- development and much needed social contact.