The University of the Third Age (U3E) course has been initiated for the tenth consecutive year in Gozo. Around 40 elderly men and women, who are 60 years and over will be participating in this course during the academic year 2008-2009.

Lessons will be held at the Elderly Day Care Centre at Għajnsielem and once every four weeks at the University Gozo Centre. This course, which will be carried up to the last week of May, will consist of two semesters covering subjects including introduction to political science, the principle of equal treatment in community law as well as views about the monastic life.

This course is being coordinated by the Elderly and Special Needs Section at the Department of Customer Services within the Ministry for Gozo. This section also coordinates home help, meals-on-wheels and the handyman services, as well as day centre activities. These services facilitate life for elderly Gozitans and thus help them lead normal life within their communities.

Mgr. Carmelo Refalo, Archpriest of Xagħra, who is also one of the lecturers contributing in this course, celebrated Holy Mass at the Elderly Day Care Centre in Għajnsielem. The Minister for Gozo, the Giovanna Debono who was also present for the mass, praised the initiative of these elderly persons who are still willing to learn and are using their time to increase their knowledge which is beneficial both for themselves as well as for those around them.

Minister Debono also suggested that the holy mass be offered for the repose of the soul of Karl Chircop, who dedicated his services within the social sector both during his political career as well as in his profession as a medical doctor.