Thursday, January 3, 2008

Newfoundland - Learning Options for Seniors

Newfoundland - Learning Options for Seniors

Notes from the SC 2007 Conference - Atlantic Canada Seniors’ Learning Models

by Del Evans - Seniors College of PEI, board member

Presenter: Elaine Healey - NFLD (MUN)

Various organizations are involved with life-long learning and have programs for seniors including the Seniors Resource Centre of Newfoundland & Labrador that offers a variety of general interest programs. Older adults prepare programs consisting of small classes on varied topics, i.e., weather/climate, archaeology, land settlement, computers. Facilitators are retired teachers/professors. Duration is 8-10 weeks at a charge of $80/course. Cost recovery programs are necessary. College of the North Atlantic is also offers a continuing education program .

Memorial University offers Life Long Learning
by utilizing a Student-Senior Connection program. Students, either with degrees or seeking one, are paired with seniors for a one-on-one instruction, particularly in computers. They visit seniors at home, set up computers and instruct in use of programs. Courses also offered at Senior housing. Promotes social interaction as well as knowledge sharing.

Fabulous at 50+Program (many participants are 70+) offers a variety of day courses: photography (digital and film), bridge, art classes, rug hooking, accordion, fiddle, singing, languages (French, Spanish and Chinese) among others.

Courses offered to seniors are primarily in the St. John’s area. They are now seeking out-reach programs.

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