Flying the Flag for English in Georgia
ESU Georgia has been flying the flag for English for nearly 18 years now. In that time ESU-Georgia has succeeded in gaining many followers at home and abroad.
As an international organisation, ESU's vision goes far beyond just the global use of English. It encompasses mutual promotion of the different cultures among ESU member countries. We think it would be wonderful if the ESU could develop further in this direction spreading the benefits of diversity. ESU-Georgia, is attempting to do just that.
The first Georgian to become an Member of the British Empire
ESU-Georgia has been introducing Georgian culture to the UK and British culture to Georgia. Wonderful recognition has been given to its work and that of its founder and president, Marina Tsitsishvili. She has become the first ever Georgian to be made an honorary Member of the British Empire (MBE). This came in the Queen’s New Year Honorary List of 2016 and it was for services to UK-Georgian cultural and educational relations.
The certificate was handed to Marina by the RT Hon Philip Hammond, and the medal was presented by HE Alexandra Hall Hall, British Ambassador. Speaking about the occasion she said: “It’s people like Marina who lay foundations for friendships between countries. She is a real model of dedication and loyalty to both our countries.”
On winning the award, the Chairman of the English-Speaking Union, the RT Hon Lord Boateng congratulated Marina and commented: “We at ESU Headquartes are proud of your achievements and grateful to your contribution to mutual understanding globally through the medium of the English language.
English language in the British Corner
On February 27th, 2015, ESU-Georgia supported the launch of the British Corner, English Language Centre in Tbilisi, opening the way to English for future generations. The British Ambassador to Georgia and Marina Tsitsishvili conducted the formal ceremonies to officially commence operations at the new language centre. It is located at the top corner of Vake Park (the main park in Tbilisi). This is a place not only for learning English, but also for introducing British culture, traditions and even cuisine.
“I am so proud and happy to be here at the opening of British Corner,” said HE Alexandra Hall Hall. “I’m sure that it’s going to be a magical place where people can meet their friends, have a cup of tea, read Shakespeare, allow their imagination to expand and also learn the English language and everything about Britain, which can be great and which can be shared with all Georgia.”
The British Corner participates in many different kinds of events. Along with NATO and the EU Information Centre, it organized NATO Day. On that occasion, it was announced that children of Georgian soldiers wounded or fallen during the 2008 Georgia-Russia war would receive free English language courses at British Corner. Sponsors are the British Corner and the British Embassy in Georgia.
English-Speaking Union of Georgia hosted ESU International Council Meeting 2016 in Tbilisi
On 7-12 September, 50 delegates from 20 countries came to Tbilisi to attend English-Speaking Union International Council Meeting. The delegation was headed by Lord Boateng, ESU Chairman, Jane Easton Director-General and Paul Beresford-Hill, ESU-US President.The conference was held in Writers’ House and was a big success. Besides Tbilisi the guests visited Kakheti, wine-making region and Mtskheta, ancient capital of Georgia.
ESU-Georgia and ESU-Bristol Signed Friendship Memorandum
Tbilisi and Bristol have been twinned cities for decades. ESU-Bristol and ESU-Georgia also signed the Memorandum of friendship and closer co-operation. The document was signed by Tony Williams, ESU-Bristol Chairman, David Narmania, Mayor of Tbilisi and Marina Tsitsishvili, ESU-Georgia President.