ESU - The English Speaking Union

Promoting International Understanding through the English Language

What is the ESU?
The English-Speaking Union of Brazil was established as an autonomous non-profit-making and non-political body on 8 March 1999 with its seat in Brasilia. The ESU of Brazil is part of the worldwide network of English-Speaking Unions and is recognised and supported by the English-Speaking Union itself which has its headquarters at Dartmouth House, 37 Charles Street, London, W1, UK, and which is generally known as the ESU.

The ESU is an educational charity registered in England and Wales which sponsors scholarship and exchanges, educational programmes providing the effective use of English, and a wide range of international and cultural events. Part of its work is supporting the activities of a growing network of autonomous English-Speaking Unions which currently exist in 44 countries worldwide.

By joining the ESU of Brazil you will have a chance to participate in regular events at local and national level and to make your own contribution to global friendship and understanding through the international programmes organised by the ESU.

Membership of the ESU of Brazil will enable you to share a common interest in education, language, international and cultural affairs with members of English-Speaking Unions worldwide.

Aims
The ESU has been established with the aim of promoting international understanding and friendship in the belief that the use of the English language offers an important contribution in this context.

English is spoken by over one billion people worldwide. It is the international language of business, travel and technology, and offers different races and cultures a means of shared communication. The ESU recognises the role that English plays in the modern world and supports a range of activities that enhance its effective use both in education and daily life.

The Association pursues this aim through activities under the general headings of educational, cultural and current affairs.

Within the scope of these activities the ESU of Brazil will endeavour to work in close collaboration with the headquarters in London and with other branches of the ESU as well as with any other association that shares the general view and principles of this association.



Education
The ESU is active in schools, supporting the use of English. National and international competitions to encourage public-speaking skills are run annually. Exchange schemes and annual awards are some of the ESU activities.

Scholarships
A range of travel and study awards are made to postgraduate students and professionals. A wide field of academic and vocational subjects are covered, including the environment, language and business studies. The scholarships are awarded to candidates from both the UK and overseas.

Current Affairs
The ESU plays an important part in the discussion of issues that are central to modern society. Debates, seminars and lectures on domestic and international affairs allow ESU members to exchange views on a wide range of contemporary topics. Every year an international figure is invited to address the ESU at the prestigious Churchill Lecture in London. A series of annual conferences focus on global themes.

A Partnership with Business
The ESU enjoys close links with many of the UK's leading companies. Sponsorship of educational awards, school projects and the ESU's international events support our twin aims of strengthening international understanding and enhancing the role of the English language worldwide. Current sponsors include Barclays Bank, British Airways, Lloyd's Bank and Shell International.

International Commitment
The commitment of the ESU worldwide is to promote international understanding, friendship, good will and human achievement through the use of English language which is expanding throughout the world.

What we do
Promote English in public speaking and debate for the support of worldwide communication and dialogue.

Encourage the enjoyment and constructive use of English through educational programmes.

Provide a forum for international friendship through our network of branches worldwide and our headquarters at Dartmouth House, London.

Initiate and administer international youth exchange and scholarships.

Focus on current affairs issues through regular international conferences, seminars and meetings.

Provide and create cultural activities.

Rely upon the enthusiasm and support of all our members.



Patron
The British Ambassador, Mr. D. K. Haskell, CMG, CVD

Honorary Presidents
Dr Arthur José de Almeida Diniz
Mr David Ford, CBE
Dr Sérgio Gomes de Vasconcellos

Members of the Board
Chairman - Sandra M. Laucas, MBE
Deputy Chairman - Carmen S. G. de Carvalho Lucas, MBE
Honorary Secretary - Lorraine E. de Matos
Honorary Treasurer - President of Lloyds Bank for Brazil, Mr David Thomas
Director of British Airways for Brazil, Mr Peter Barry

Directors of Chapters
Belo Horizonte - Maria Eugenia F. Couri
Rio de Janeiro - Jorge Luiz S. dos Reis
São Paulo - Grace Simonsen Redfern

Membership
By joining the ESU you will be able to play your part in developing links between people worldwide. The ESU is based at Dartmouth House in the heart of London's Mayfair. This magnificent Georgian building provides both a meeting place for members and a venue for a regular programme of lectures, seminars, debates and concerts. Facilities include a restaurant, library, reading room and a suite of function rooms. The House retains many of its original period features including rare wood panelling, a marble staircase and painted ceilings.

In addition, more than forty regional branches throughout England and Wales offer a diary of meetings and social occasions round the year. Branch events allow members to develop their own programmes at the local level in support of the ESU's international goals. On joining you will be provided with a choice of branches to attend.

How To Join
If you are interested in the world today and recognise the importance of the English language, membership of The English-Speaking Union can offer many advantages. You will also be supporting a wide range of educational projects and be able to participate in a lively programme of events.

Membership is simple and inexpensive. Please call Cultura Inglesa on (31) 3284-1270 for further details.