General News
19 January, 2023
Seniors hungry for teaching support
A voluntary social and learning group for senior citizens is seeking tutors to lead new courses. The University of the Third Age – more commonly known as U3A – is an international community of scholars sharing and learning together. After more...
A voluntary social and learning group for senior citizens is seeking tutors to lead new courses.The University of the Third Age – more commonly known as U3A – is an international community of scholars sharing and learning together.After more than 34 years in Horsham, it has launched a new search for volunteer teachers in several subject areas – especially cooking.Horsham and District U3A president Rick Walker said he had made an attempt last year to recruit tutors but without success.“I've sent a letter to all the high schools wanting to know if there are any retiring teachers who would like to do a bit more teaching,” he said.“We're in severe need of a cooking instructor of any cuisine as many of our members desire to advance their culinary abilities.“Without the tutors, it doesn't matter what we come up with, we can't run a class.”Mr Walker said he encouraged local residents to join the U3A club so they could interact with their neighborhood and pick up some new skills in their free time.“If you want something else in your life and you're free in the daytime, come along to learn a new skill, make new friends and put something else in your life," he said.“U3A is not only for retired people but also welcomes anyone who is not full-time employed."In arts and crafts, science, history, physical activity, games and other topics, U3A offers 32 distinct courses. The annual registration fee for all the courses is $40.Each year, about 250 people sign up for the various U3A courses in Horsham.The new U3A program for 2023 will begin in the first week of February and run until mid-December.U3A has been based in the old Horsham Railway Station building since 1996.The words "Third Age" in the organistion's name refer to the age of active retirement, the "first age" being childhood and the "second age" the time of employment and parental responsibility.