A Centre for Life Long Learning programme offering older people opportunities to broaden their skills and interests- one of the first of its kind in the UK and one of the largest worldwide- is celebrating its 25th anniversary this weekend (Saturday, 27 October).
The Learning in Later Life (3L) Programme is currently offering 310 courses in subjects ranging from science, philosophy and languages to art, history and genealogy and has more than more than 4,500 registrations annually.
The programme enables its students to learn new skills and knowledge to add to the experience they have gained throughout their lives, as well as taking part in social and volunteering activities.
The achievements of the Learning in Later Life Programme will be celebrated in an event at the University featuring talks and activity sessions. Keynote addresses will be given by West Scotland MSP and Strathclyde alumna Annabel Goldie and the former Director of the University’s Centre for Lifelong Learning, Lesley Hart MBE.
Dr Rob Mark, Head of the Centre for Lifelong Learning, said: “For more than a quarter of a century, a great many adult learners have been able to benefit from the opportunity to study very many different subjects. The programme has also offered a bridge between the generations, enabling young people to learn from their seniors and older people to learn through engagement with younger people.
“Our programmes have helped many to realise their potential, to consider new career opportunities and to re-enter the employment market. Studying in the Centre has also led to many new friendships, improving the quality of lives and contributing to health and well-being.”
Programme student David Price, from Cardross, enrolled towards the end of a career which he began straight from school, in his father’s roofing business, and ended in the film editing profession. He took courses on the programme in subjects including Scottish studies, modern art and family history research, as well as an independent study of classic yachts on the River Clyde.
The credits David accumulated, including 10 for his project on yachts, helped him become in 2011 one of the first students to receive a Certificate of Higher Education in Lifelong Learning.
David said: “What is great about the lifelong learning classes is that everyone wants to be there. The knowledge gained and classroom discussion gave a great boost to my confidence.
“I’m sure this played a part in my recently becoming a guide at Dumfries House, where I derive great satisfaction from sharing with others my love of history and Scottish culture, developed during my studies in the Learning in Later Life Programme.”
The event, Celebrating Silver: 25 years of the Learning in Later Life Programme, will be held in Lecture Theatre 1 of the McCance Building, Richmond Street, Glasgow, on Saturday 27 October, from 10am-4:15 pm.
More details on the Learning in Later Life Programme can be seen at http://www.strath.ac.uk/cll/llp/