Senior Citizen Program promotes integration between its participants and the university

With the goal of promoting experience exchange and integration with the University of Rio Verde and the graduation students, the “Senior Citizen” Program, coordinated by the Pro-Rectory of Extension and Culture, gathers people 60 years-old or older that participate of activities in classrooms twice a week. Made up of a group of 35 students, the meeting of generations enables fun moments, laughing and sharing several stories. It’s a two-way street that reflects in learning and strengthens the bonds between youth and the people in what is considered by many the best phase in life.

The focus of every student to the class, demonstrate the happiness in coming back to the university classrooms, because some of them participated in the first class of the Program. With a special place reserved in the heart of each student, the project is a good reason to leave the house, at least that is what guarantees Maria Inês Felippe Ratze, 68. Participating for the second time of “Senior Citizen”, the elder sees in the action an opportunity of accomplishing an old dream. “I didn’t go to college. Back then things were more difficult, so here, in every course we learn something, I feel I’ve achieved something”, she comments, celebrating the time spent with her classmates.

In Brazil, according to IBGE, the elder population has surpassed 30 million people. More than ever, they want to enjoy life, showing that age is just a number. With a full baggage of experiences and an admirable disposition, Carmélia de Melo Chueri and José Ragi Chueri are a couple that participate together of the program. They are classmates and life-time partners, they both demonstrate in practice that knowledge is never too much. “Time is precious and it teaches us great lessons, so, if you are at home without doing anything, just counting days, try participating of projects like this. Here we learn to live again. We have fun and also teach”, Carmélia reports emotionally. With a smile filled with pride of his wife, José Ragi, completes by saying that every experience is valid, innovative and can add to our day-to-day.

With the duration of an entire year, the extension project encompasses areas such as: culture, education, health and environment, contributing to the quality of life of the participants and bringing the community closer to UniRV. Always working with a different theme, such as the oral hygiene classes, taught by professor Dr. Francine Lorencetti of the Faculty of Dentistry or the music presented by professor Me. Júlio Barbosa, conductor of the university choir. Apart from developing theory, the program still guarantees practical activities in UniRV’s departments and School Clinics.