The Universidade Sénior Albicastrense (USALBI) has officially started its new academic year with a total enrollment of 1,670 students. This figure represents a 7.5% growth compared to the previous academic cycle, highlighting the institution's expanding reach within the senior population of the Castelo Branco municipality.
Of the total student body, 770 individuals are attending classes at the main headquarters in Castelo Branco city center. The remaining 900 students are enrolled in various satellite campuses located across different parishes, including Almaceda, Cebolais/Retaxo, Santo André das Tojeiras, São Vicente da Beira, Sarzedas, Alcains, Freixial do Campo/Juncal do Campo, Escalos de Baixo/Mata, Lardosa, Louriçal do Campo, and Póvoa do Rio de Moinhos/Cafede.
According to data released by Amato Lusitano – Associação de Desenvolvimento (ALAD), the organization that manages USALBI, these numbers confirm the importance of the university's presence throughout the territory. The association notes that the satellite campuses, which exist in every parish of the municipality, account for more than half of the students and bring educational opportunities closer to those living outside the city center.
Arnaldo Braz, president of the association, stated that USALBI was founded on the deep conviction that learning has no expiration date. He emphasized the belief that education is both a right and an opportunity at every stage of life. To support this mission, the current educational offering is ensured by 48 teachers and is organized into 40 different disciplines.
For this academic year, USALBI has strengthened its curriculum by introducing two new courses: chess and play yoga. These additions aim to broaden options in the areas of cognitive development as well as physical and mental well-being. The senior university operates as a social and educational initiative promoted by ALAD in partnership with the Castelo Branco Municipal Council.
The institution provides a wide range of formative, cultural, artistic, and leisure activities designed for senior citizens. These programs contribute to updating knowledge, fostering personal development, combating isolation, and promoting health and well-being. Over the years, USALBI has established itself as a reference in the Albicastrense community, reinforcing the role of education as a lifelong right.
Sources: Observador.