Marc Helgesen Global Scholarship Program – ERWC7 scholarship recipient reports

Posted on December 12, 2025 by Wendy Gough

This year the ERF was proud introduce the Marc Helgesen Global Scholarship Program. The program allowed us to offer five scholars, Francisca Maria Ivone (Indonesia), Tham Thuy Hong (Vietnam), Made Hery Santosa (Indonesia), Tram Nguyen (Vietnam), and Narudol (Nathan) Semchuchot (Thailand) up to 1,000 US dollars each to cover travel expenses to attend the Extensive Reading World Congress 7.

Marc Helgesen, who passed away in March 2025, was the second ERF Chair and continued to be a strong supporter of ER programs and English education in general. The scholarship program is our humble way of honoring his legacy by continuing to support dedicated scholars.

The five scholars have provided thoughtful reports on their ERWC conference experiences presenting their research, sharing ideas, and outlining plans for the future. We hope reading their reports will inspire you to continue sharing your own research and ideas as well.
https://erfoundation.org/wordpress/awards-grants/marc-helgesen-global-scholarship-program-erwc7-scholarship-recipient-reports/

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A Warm Welcome to the Extensive Reading Association of Italy (ERA Italy)

Posted on August 3, 2025 by Wendy Gough

A landmark moment in language education took place as the Extensive Reading Association of Italy (ERA Italy) was officially founded at a signing ceremony held in Macerata, Italy on 26th July 2025. The formation of the ERA Italy signals Italy’s formal commitment to promoting Extensive Reading practices in foreign language education. The association aims to support teachers, researchers, and institutions by providing resources, training, and a professional community focused on the power of reading large amounts of engaging material at the appropriate level.

Congratulations to the founding members and organisations of ERA Italy: Michael Lacey Freeman (Chair), Peter Frederick Anderson (Secretary and Treasurer and owner of the language school, Anderson House), Vanessa Hartson Walker – Board member and Vice-President (owner of the language school, Kids Can), Donatella Fitzgerald MBE – Board member (Pearson), Giovanni Rovelli – Board member and Publicity Manager (Pearson), Elizabeth Porteous Cicconi (Board Member), Sarah Ruth Gudgeon (Board Member), Maria Cleary (Helbling ), Harold John Cullinane (ELI ), Fiorella Montevago (Usborne), and Marcus Daniel Mattia. Other key members of the association: Rob Waring (ERF Exec), Christina Caughlan, Maria Cristina Bevilacqua (Board Member and Events Manager), Simeon Cooper (Social Media Manager), Grazia Ancillani, Elena Mancinelli, and Patrizia Mancinelli.

Founding members of ERA Italy signed the charter outlining the association’s mission: to advance research, organize conferences and workshops, and advocate for ER in educational policy and classroom practice.

“This is an important moment for language education in Italy,” said Michael Lacey Freeman, Chair of the Extensive Reading Association in Italy. “ERA Italy will provide a national platform to share good practice, inspire innovation, and expand the reach of Extensive Reading to more learners across the country.” For more information, or to become a member of ERA Italy, please visit the website.

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