British Council 75th
In 1934 Britain set out do something quite radical and markedly different from more military-minded nations. The idea was to found an organisation whose aim was to develop links between the UK and other countries through cultural relations not force.
That organisation was the British Council, and 75 years on our work continues to create opportunities for people to understand each other better, work together more and learn from one another, which are all crucial to building secure, more prosperous and sustainable futures for us all.
The world has changed in leaps and bounds since the thirties. However, global events of recent years, such as financial uncertainty and cultural conflict, mirror the world stage 75 years ago, and reinforce our belief that cultural relations between people worldwide has come of age.
The people-to-people links of cultural relations are at the heart of our work. What better way to reflect on the journey so far than via those who describe it best: the people who have benefited from our programmes over the last 75 years.
Margaret James, head teacher of Whitestone Primary School in Swansea, Wales, has been involved with a range of school links and exchanges since 1996. Through the British Council she has formed partnerships with schools in seven other countries.
‘Our involvement with the British Council Comenius Programme offered real opportunities for pupils to be Welsh in a European dimension.
‘Pupils particularly enjoyed our Passport to Europe events where we took every class on a virtual visit to a European country to taste its foods, play games and learn language basics.’
As well as our schools partnership work, our International Climate Champions programme is helping 1000 young campaigners in more than 60 countries raise awareness of climate change, providing them with access to international leaders.
Inspiring change
Shruti Neelakantan, from India, is one of the participants and in 2008 she was selected to join the Cape Farewell Youth Expedition to the Arctic.
‘Through this expedition, my first trip out of my own country, the British Council has helped me to witness climate change first hand.
‘I am inspired to make change by doing my own part, by creating awareness. The experience has taught me so much and now I really want to be part of change.’
Through the British Council’s Global Changemakers programme sixteen year old Juan Nascimbene from Argentina became the youngest person to address the World Economic Forum, in Davos, Switzerland along with five other Global Changemakers from China, Scotland, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the USA.
‘As we entered the conference room I felt a rush of excitement and a lot of nerves. However, when I started talking, the words came naturally because we were showing youth is transforming the world!’
‘The project was an incredibly important experience in my life. It gave me confidence and motivation to continue working for change … I fervently continue with my activism but feel that I am now more prepared to face obstacles and fighting injustices because I know I am not alone in the process of change.’
Margaret, Shruti and Juan are just three of the millions of people we have worked with and reached across the globe. We’re looking forward to working with millions more to help us find ways of living together, as global citizens, for a better future for all in the next 75 years.
View the British Council timeline (pdf format)
To get involved with our 75th anniversary activities visit the British Council 75th website
For more information, visit our 75th anniversary page.
