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The Commonwealth Institute is an educational charity loosely connected with the Commonwealth Of Nations . It is based in London , England . The Institute was established in the late 19th century by the governments of the United Kingdom and several of the countries of the British Empire to promote education and research which would benefit the Empire. Initially this was strongly biased towards scientific research that supported the industrial and commercial development of the Dominion s and Colonies . At this time the UK had a policy of Commonwealth Preference in its trade relations. After Britain's accession to the European Economic Community support for the institute from other Commonwealth governments fell away, leaving Britain to bear nearly all of the cost. This led to a decision by the British government that the institute should refocus on educational programmes, which were more consistent with policy of the day. In 2000 the Institute was reestablished as a registered Charity . The Institute has established a working relationship with the University Of Cambridge , which seeks to use the expertise available to foster primary and secondary education throughout the Commonwealth. The emphasis is placed on research into educational issues and the development of educational leadership. The Institute was originally located in a building on Exhibition Row constructed by John Mowlem & Co and completed in 1887 . The Institute now occupies a distinctive green roofed building immediately to the south of Holland Park , designed by Robert Matthew / RMJM and completed in 1962 . It used to be open to the public on a daily basis, and contained a permanent exhibition about the nations of the Commonwealth which was designed to promote trade between them, but visitor numbers were disappointing, so it shut its doors in the late 1990s and concentrated on its other activities. Many of the exhibits were returned to member countries and the remainder were donated to the British Empire And Commonwealth Museum in Bristol .
In 2007 the The Commonwealth Institute sold its prestigious property in Kensington, London. The Institute is a Trust with the primary objective of advancing education across the Commonwealth, as endorsed by Commonwealth leaders and education ministers. The Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon, who is one of the Trustees, said the benefits of the sale will be felt across the Commonwealth for years to come: “The Kensington site has been a significant burden on an organisation with no other resources. Five years ago, Commonwealth governments recognised that it was not symbolic of our modern Commonwealth and the funds locked up in it should be released. This sale will allow the Institute to focus on its objective. "The funds unlocked from the sale will be invested by the Trust and the income will be directed to ensuring improvements in the access to and quality of education offered to tomorrow’s Commonwealth citizens.” Commenting on the sale, fellow Trustee and Nigerian High Commissioner Christopher Kolade said: “It is a particularly welcome outcome as support for the education of Commonwealth children is so critical to the future welfare of us all.” EXTERNAL LINKS
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