Welsh learners from across Gwent were recognised for their dedication to the national language in an awards ceremony held at Coleg Gwent’s Pontypool Campus this week.
The awards were hosted by TV presenter Nia Parry and attended by special guest Eluned Morgan AM, Minister for Welsh Language and Lifelong Learning.
The ceremony occurs annually and highlights the importance of learning the Welsh language in Gwent, as well as paying tribute to the achievements, hard work and commitment of both students and tutors.
Learn Welsh Gwent – Coleg Gwent’s Welsh for Adults section – enrols over 2,500 enrolments on Welsh for Adults courses each year.
Geraint Wilson-Price, head of Learn Welsh Gwent and organiser of the awards believes that recognising learners for their enthusiasm and hard work is important.
Geraint Wilson-Price said “With there being such a huge increase in the numbers of adults learning Welsh in the Gwent area, it’s important that we recognise and celebrate the successes of our learners at an event like this.
“This evening has been a lovely time for learners of all levels to be recognised for their hard work and successes. What is particularly delightful is to see so many learners moving through the levels and becoming more and more proficient so they can fully take part in all aspects of Welsh life,” he added.
Welsh Minister Eluned Morgan, AM said: “This is one of my first engagements as the Minister for Welsh Language and Lifelong Learning and I can’t imagine a more fitting one than a ceremony that celebrates both aspects of my portfolio. I congratulate everybody for their success and commend you on your commitment to learning Welsh.
“We have a commitment to increasing the number of Welsh speakers to one million by 2050 and it is a pleasure to see so many people join us in our challenge.”
Find out more about learning Welsh at Coleg Gwent by visiting www.coleggwent.ac.uk/welsh. Classes are offered throughout the community at all levels to suit learners. Learners can choose from day school, weekend courses, lessons from two hours to nine hours a week, and there are even classes via Skype and FaceTime.
Among the winners were the Welsh for the Family class in Abergavenny. The groups members support each every and co-operate every session, for example in addition to attending class, they have created connections between their children’s homework and in that regard they have seized every opportunity to practise their Welsh at home with their children.
Now they have started Welsh for the Family 2 and are equally supportive of each other as they work towards their next goal, namely, the summer 2018 Entry Level Exam.