The Teatro Clube de Penamacor hosted, on Tuesday, October 6th, the opening ceremony for the new academic year of the Penamacor Senior Academy. This social project, managed by ADRACES in cooperation with the Municipality, the Parish Councils, and various entities in the county, has 142 enrolled students this year.
The students will attend the 22 available disciplines, taught by 18 volunteer teachers. In its 13th year of activity, the Penamacor Senior Academy introduces two new training offerings: Theatre and Argentine Tango. The youngest student is 56 years old, while the oldest is 88 years old.
The ceremony included a surprise message from musician João Gil, who wished everyone an excellent academic year. The event concluded with the presentation of the play “MEMÓRIAS DE UM RIO – Entre Pedra, Espada e Destino”, performed by students from the Senior Academy of Vila Velha de Ródão/Municipal Center for Culture and Development of Vila Velha de Ródão.
Present were the President of ADRACES, António Carmona Mendes, and the Mayor of Penamacor, José Miguel Oliveira. Both welcomed attendees and wished the Senior Academy community an excellent academic year.
José Miguel Oliveira expressed "enormous satisfaction" at the start of the new academic year, highlighting that the Senior Academy "represents much more than a learning space. It is a place for meeting and sharing, where each person brings a story and knowledge that enrich everyone who is part of it".
The Mayor emphasized that "everyone learns and everyone has something to teach," stating it is "a way for us to continue together, to remain active, curious, and connected to our community." He wished that the year be lived "with enthusiasm, with a desire to learn, but also to experiment," with "moments of reflection, but also moments of joy," and that "curiosity, conviviality, and friendship among all will not be lacking".
José Miguel Oliveira thanked the teachers, trainers, collaborators, and students, and everyone who contributes to making this project a reality in the county of Penamacor.
