Latest news with #NationalCentreforLearningWelsh
South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Record number of people learning Welsh, new figures show
New figures show that 18,330 individuals completed Learn Welsh courses in 2023-24, the highest number ever recorded and a 45 per cent increase since the National Centre for Learning Welsh took responsibility for the sector in 2016. Dona Lewis, chief executive of the National Centre for Learning Welsh, said: "The significant increase in the number of learners reflects the strength of our learning model and our ability to plan strategically to support the Welsh Government's ambition to increase the use of the Welsh language. "We are extremely proud of all our learners, tutors, support staff and our partners throughout Wales, and are grateful to the Welsh Government for its continued support. "The Welsh language belongs to everyone and as we prepare to transfer our work to the National Institute for Learning Welsh in 2027, we look forward to the next stage of our development as a sector, with a clear focus on ensuring lifelong learning opportunities to support more people of all ages and backgrounds to learn, use and enjoy the Welsh language." The centre's annual report for 2024–25, launched at the Eisteddfod, credits this growth to detailed linguistic planning. In addition to offering around 1,500 Welsh courses for adults in the community and online, the centre leads the national Learn Welsh strategy, which aims to improve access to the language, attract new audiences, and normalise the use of Welsh. The centre also supports workplace learning through its Work Welsh scheme. More than 2,000 employers and 30,000 employees have taken part in the scheme. This includes partnerships with organisations such as North Wales Police, Airbus, the Football Association of Wales, the Welsh Rugby Union, and Wrexham AFC.
Cambrian News
5 days ago
- General
- Cambrian News
Aeron woman receives award for Welsh language contribution
Dona Lewis, Chief Executive of the National Centre for Learning Welsh, said: 'Barbara is clearly a highly-valued member of the Welsh-speaking community in the Aberaeron area, with everyone saying how generous and helpful she is in so many areas. Barbara is passionate about the language and extends a warm welcome to both Welsh learners and speakers, encouraging them to enjoy the many fun and engaging activities she organises.
North Wales Chronicle
5 days ago
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
Welsh language learning in North Wales sees increase
A new partnership between the Welsh Government, the National Eisteddfod, and the National Centre for Learning Welsh has expanded Maes D, the Eisteddfod's dedicated space for learners. Visitors can stop by Caffi Maes D for a paned a sgwrs (cuppa and chat) in Welsh with fellow learners and volunteers. The Welsh Government's Welsh Communities Commission is exploring how to support the growth of Cymraeg in areas where it is less widely spoken. Welsh Language Secretary Mark Drakeford said: "Welsh is our national language and every community has an important role in its future. "The research we are doing will inform future policy development and ensure that communities like Wrexham receive support. "Cymraeg belongs to us all, which is exactly what we're seeing through the growing enthusiasm here. "It's fantastic to see the Eisteddfod celebrated in Wrexham and lots of learners participating in it." The Eisteddfod, which continues until Saturday, offers a wide range of events and activities for people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy and take part in.
Rhyl Journal
5 days ago
- General
- Rhyl Journal
Welsh language learning in North Wales sees increase
A new partnership between the Welsh Government, the National Eisteddfod, and the National Centre for Learning Welsh has expanded Maes D, the Eisteddfod's dedicated space for learners. Visitors can stop by Caffi Maes D for a paned a sgwrs (cuppa and chat) in Welsh with fellow learners and volunteers. The Welsh Government's Welsh Communities Commission is exploring how to support the growth of Cymraeg in areas where it is less widely spoken. Welsh Language Secretary Mark Drakeford said: "Welsh is our national language and every community has an important role in its future. "The research we are doing will inform future policy development and ensure that communities like Wrexham receive support. "Cymraeg belongs to us all, which is exactly what we're seeing through the growing enthusiasm here. "It's fantastic to see the Eisteddfod celebrated in Wrexham and lots of learners participating in it." The Eisteddfod, which continues until Saturday, offers a wide range of events and activities for people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy and take part in.
Leader Live
5 days ago
- General
- Leader Live
Welsh language learning in Wrexham sees record increase
In 2023–24, 640 people finished a Welsh course in the area, representing an 82 per cent increase since 2017–18. Jonathan Lloyd, a staff member at Wrexham University, said: "I use Welsh a lot at work. "For me, it's great because it's important to use the language every day, even if that's for five or ten minutes. "Competing at the Eisteddfod will be such a proud moment for me, not only as a new Welsh speaker, but as a Welshman celebrating our language and culture. "I can't wait to put the Welsh I've learnt over the past year into practice and speak with people on the Maes." Mr Lloyd will compete at the Eisteddfod in Wrexham as part of a recital group, supported by his Dysgu Cymraeg tutors. A new partnership between the Welsh Government, the National Eisteddfod, and the National Centre for Learning Welsh has expanded Maes D, the Eisteddfod's dedicated space for learners. Visitors can stop by Caffi Maes D for a paned a sgwrs (cuppa and chat) in Welsh with fellow learners and volunteers. The Welsh Government's Welsh Communities Commission is exploring how to support the growth of Cymraeg in areas where it is less widely spoken, including Wrexham. READ MORE: Flintshire heating engineer in running to be named top tradesperson in UK and Ireland Welsh Language Secretary Mark Drakeford said: "Welsh is our national language and every community has an important role in its future. "The research we are doing will inform future policy development and ensure that communities like Wrexham receive support. "Cymraeg belongs to us all, which is exactly what we're seeing through the growing enthusiasm here. "It's fantastic to see the Eisteddfod celebrated in Wrexham and lots of learners participating in it." The Eisteddfod, which continues until Saturday, offers a wide range of events and activities for people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy and take part in.
