 | |
| Abbreviation | ESU |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1918 |
| Type | Educational charity |
| Headquarters | Dartmouth House |
| Location |
|
Region served | International |
Official language | English |
Chairman | Miles Young |
| Website | www.esu.org |
Formerly called | English Speaking Union of the Commonwealth |
The English-Speaking Union (ESU) is an international educational membership organisation. Founded by the journalist Sir Evelyn Wrench in 1918, it aims to bring together and empower people of different languages and cultures, by building skills and confidence in communication, such that individuals realise their potential.[1] With 35 branches in the United Kingdom and over 50 international ESUs in countries around the world, the ESU carries out a variety of activities such as debating, public speaking and student exchange programmes, runs conferences and seminars, and offers scholarships, to encourage the effective use of the English language around the globe.
The aims of the English-Speaking Union (as stated on its website) are:
- The mutual advancement of education of the English-speaking world, respecting the traditions and heritage of those with whom we work whilst acknowledging the current events and issues that affect them.
- The use of English as a shared language and means of international communication of knowledge and understanding, provided always that these are at all times pursued in a non-political and non-sectarian manner.
These aims are taken from the ESU's Royal Charter.
- ^ [1] Archived 7 March 2011 at the Wayback Machine