THE INFORMER PAGE 3

OCTOBER 29, 1991

Eldercollege starts off with a bang

Judging by the enthusiastic response in the first few
weeks of classes, Cap’s first foray into education for
older adults is a raging success.

Eldercollege program facilitator Lynn Jest says the
program is going “exceedingly well.”

An open house held earlier this month attracted 104
Eldercollege members, who began attending a diverse
range of study groups October 7. One of the first classes
was featured on CBC T.V.’s The Best Years. The cam-
eras visited a student at his home while he prepared for
his first day of class, and followed him to the study
group session on Multiculturalism. The program aired
Oct. 20. Ten study groups on a variety of topics, from
post-modern philosophy and mentoring to the religion
and cultures of India and Asia, current social issues,
and positive conflict resolution, will continue until Dec.
6.

Plans for the winter term include a repeat of a New
Directions course on post-modernism philosophy (which
already has a waiting list), an expansion of a popular
course on positive conflict resolution, and a new series
on ethical issues for the aging, which will include study
groups on living wills, adult guardianship, and the
controversial issue of euthanasia. There will be another
open house in early February. The study groups begin
Feb. 10.

Eldercollege is run entirely by volunteers. Lynn,
working out of the Extension Department, is facilitator

Eldercollege facilitator
Margery White leads a
study group on
Religion and Cultures
of India and Asia.
Margery spent four
months as a student
with World Campus
Afloat, visiting 13
locations in the Pacific
Rim. The aim of her
study group is to
better understand the
ancient religions of
India and Asia, and to
help increase overall
awareness of the
Cultures.

for the 40-member volunteer committee structure. “I’m
just one step ahead of them,” says Lynn, who stresses
how satisfying it is for her to work with such a highly
motivated group. These are people with a vast store of
knowledge. “They know exactly what they want for
their own best experience.”

A recent all-candidates forum at the Sportsplex
demonstrated how quickly the advisory board responds
to an opportunity. Shortly after the election call, they
set up the forum (attended by all but one of the North
Shore candidates) and peppered them with questions
about seniors’ issues. Although attendance was lower
than Lynn had hoped (short notice prevented adequate
promotion) it did show Lynn the level of commitment
and energy the volunteers can garner.

Ranging in age from 55-90, Eldercollege members
on the advisory board handle curriculum development,
promotion, finance and fund raising. Lynn’s job is to
facilitate the project. The College provides space,
support services for group facilitators and a term
calendar of events.

As well as being a successful exercise in volunteer
management, the program is demonstrating the advan-
tages of partnership in education. The North Shore
Winter Club and Capilano Towers give space to Elder-
college, and the West Vancouver Seniors Activity
Centre has just offered a Saturday morning space.

continued on page 4