The UK’s ELT sector gathered in London this week to celebrate the life and contribution of Eddie Byers, the former chief executive of English UK, who died late last year.
It was announced that a scholarship fund will be set up in his name to fund deserving students to study English for up to one month in the UK. The programmes will be funded by donations and is expected to run for an initial three years.
“Eddie was a very positive man, driven by improving the future rather than dwelling on the past,” said Steve Phillips, the chair of English UK, addressing the many stakeholders who attended the memorial service.
“So when friends and colleagues asked us how they could pay tribute and their respects – we started thinking about how Eddie would have used that kind of generosity and motivation.”
He continued, “Lots of us on the board and staff of English UK recall conversations with Eddie about his desire to set up a scholarship scheme for needy students, both to support our charitable purpose and because he was passionate about the value of education in transforming people’s lives.
“He would have got this under way this year, we’re sure: so we’re going to do it for him.”
The organisation said it would share further details on how to contribute to the fund soon.
Byers had been in his post for almost two years and impressed many English UK members and staff with his dedication to reinvigorating the association’s strategy but working in a very collegial way with members, his team and wider stakeholders.
Richard Day, owner of English in Chester, has been appointed interim CEO.
