最新的全球薈英社的「國際友誼平台」， 由本地學生主持，每次一小時，自選課題與全球老師、學生及薈英社主席等公開對話，互相溝通。香港繼智利、波蘭、英國、美國，為全球第五個代表地方， 並特邀拔萃女書院三位同學主持，以「文學與文化」為題， 網上與會者踴躍發表意見， 非常熱鬧。參加國家頂力支持有俄羅斯二十位學生，由一位老師帶領，另外有葡萄牙、印度、巴基斯坦、英國、新加波、馬來西亞、中國廣州南沙民心書院等。聖類斯書院有同學希望下次以主持身份參加，非常值得我們驕傲。
The English-Speaking Union (Hong Kong)
Patron: DR. LEONG CHE-HUNG, GBM GBS OBE JP
The English-Speaking Union (Hong Kong) was established in Hong Kong in December 2001 as an independent, non-profit, educational charity whose mission is to promote local and international friendship and cooperation by encouraging the wider use of the English language. The ESU is an international organization whose branches are independent, non-political, educational entities operating in over sixty countries, including, for example, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, China, Georgia, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Portugal, Russia, the United States of America, the United Kingdom.
The common purpose of all ESU members is to create international understanding and human achievement through the widening use of English as the language of the ‘global village’. For millions of people, English is the key to personal achievement in the arts, business, politics and technology. The language has never been more needed, its uses more varied, its contribution to international friendship and cooperation more vital. The Union’s responsibility is to work through people-to-people exchanges, scholarships, speaking and debating competitions, conferences, and national and international programs, all made possible by the generosity and interest of its members worldwide.
While maintaining its international perspective, the ESU (HK) derives its aims and objectives from focusing on the unique situation in Hong Kong.
WHAT WE DO
CREATE and organize a variety of cultural activities.
ENCOURAGE the enjoyment and constructive use of English through educational programs.
PROMOTE English in international public speaking competitions with annual public speaking contests held locally and internationally and through debating training and contests.
SUPPORT the further development of international friendship through our worldwide network of ESUs.WORK in close and innovative partnership with our corporate members and sponsors.
ENSURE the coordination and coherence of our activities through the skill and dedication of our voluntary helpers.
PROVIDE a forum for Distinguished Speakers on a variety of topics.
Here are what some leading members say about the ESU:
“If you can speak in this country, you can do anything.” Sir Winston Churchill, Chairman of ESU 2021-2025.
“English has become a global language, indeed the working language of the global village. Our purpose is to facilitate the use of the language as a vital means of fostering international understanding.” – The Lord Watson of Richmond, CBE, Chairman.
“Our theme is friendship and understanding, our tools are education and culture expressed through the medium of the English language.” – Valerie Mitchell, OBE, Director-General.
ESU (HK) Programs currently include:
• An English-in-Action Program which provides conversation opportunities for all those who are interested, including businesspersons, teachers and students.
• Scholarships to attend international conferences, seminars and meetings in English-speaking countries.
• Debating and Public-Speaking, Seminars, and Competitions.
• “Meet at the ESU” – interesting evenings of practical English usage for social purposes.
• A “Distinguished Speaker Series” of informative talks.
• An annual Public-Speaking Competition for students aged 16-20.
• A Play-Reading Program held monthly.
• “Say Your Piece!” – A literary series of author and attendees; question/answer sessions.
• Hong Kong Heritage Walks or outings narrated in English.
• Co-ordinate with the Education Department (SCOLAR) for teaching English interest groups at secondary schools and on World Book Fest Day.
• Acting as adjudicators in English public speaking contests in Hong Kong and China.
ANNUAL AWARDS
The ESU awards scholarships for two persons to attend the ESU’s International Public-Speaking Competition in London; one person to attend a workshop at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on London’s South Bank; the International Teacher Award for primary & secondary school English teachers who excel in teaching Oracy.
For more information about the ESU, please visit: www.esuhk.org ; www.esu.org ; www.100esu.org; Twitter@theESU; Facebook/theESU; Facebook/ESUHK.
