Source: Simon Fraser University
http://www.sfu.ca/mediapr/news_releases/archives/news10170602.htm God, Heaven and the AfterlifeOctober 17, 2006 Contact: Alan Aberbach, SFU continuing studies, 604.268.7973
Susan Jamieson-McLarnon, PAMR, SFU Vancouver, 604.291.5151 Website: www.sfu.ca/seniors October 17, 2006 God, Heaven and the Afterlife Simon Fraser University's continuing studies Seniors Program has launched a
new outreach initiative aimed at promoting dialogue among often socially
isolated seniors. The first project, Perceptions of God and Heaven (The Afterlife), is now on
DVD and ready for distribution. The 56-minute, two-part program, developed
with the SFU Seniors Lifelong Learners Society, features panelists Rabbi
Yosef Wosk, Reverend Shirley Stockdill and Imam Mohamad Rachid, with
moderator Alan Aberbach, director of the seniors program. The DVD is being offered — at no charge — to senior organizations throughout
B.C. with initial distribution in the Vancouver area. "Part of the
university's mandate is helping adults achieve their intellectual,
professional and cultural goals through lifelong learning," says Aberbach.
"The goal of this project is to prompt active dialogue among seniors,
helping to break down social isolation." Seniors' centres and organizations are being encouraged to develop
opportunities for seniors to watch the video and then participate in
moderated discussion, using a specially prepared program guide. "This will
give B.C. seniors an opportunity to increase their intellectual and
community involvement, and socialize more than they are able to do in a
formal classroom setting," notes Aberbach. The SFU Seniors program offers a wide variety of credit and non-credit
courses each semester as well as 12 monthly forums at the Vancouver and
Surrey campuses. Information: 604.291.5212 or akkalfa@sfu.ca
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