Martin Davidson, Chief Executive of the British Council said:
'As we reflect on the passing of Nelson Mandela, I am sure we will each hold onto our own images and memories of his extraordinary life. For me, it was his unswerving commitment to the cause of equality and dignity for all in South Africa and the courage and vision he displayed as he pursued that goal.
His generosity of spirit and ability to forgive is surely an inspiration to people worldwide. As he reminds us, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world". While we mark Nelson Mandela’s death, we can also celebrate a life that humbles us all.'
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The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. We create international opportunities for the people of the UK and other countries and build trust between them worldwide.
We work in more than 100 countries and our 7000 staff – including 2000 teachers – work with thousands of professionals and policy makers and millions of young people every yearteaching English, sharing the Arts and in education and society programmes.
We are a UK charity governed by Royal Charter. A publically-funded grant-in-aid provides less than a quarter of our turnover which last year was £781m. The rest we earn from English teaching, UK exams and services which customers around the world pay for, through education and development contracts and from partnerships with other institutions, brands and companies. All our work is in pursuit of our charitable purpose and creates prosperity and security for the UK and the countries we work in all around the world.
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