Learning Welsh More Popular Than Ever
Welsh learning classes are proving more popular than ever in Pembrokeshire.
To meet the growing demand, Learning Pembrokeshire – the adult and community learning arm of Pembrokeshire County Council – is organising extra classes in Narberth and Fishguard in addition to those already advertised.
This term it is estimated that across the county over 700 learners have enrolled in Welsh classes – some during the day and others in the evenings.
The Council’s Cabinet Member for the Welsh Language, Huw George, said the Learning Pembrokeshire Welsh tutors were delighted with the enthusiasm shown by learners of all ages and from all backgrounds.
Councillor George continued: “Many new students have opted for a fast-paced course, with a lot of individual work to be done at home and on-line. Others have chosen a course which helps with family patterns, especially those with young children attending Welsh-medium schools.
“Singing Welsh songs and learning the words for stories, playtimes and mealtimes are all a must in the ‘Welsh for the Family’ courses currently being run at in Hakin, Roch, Tegryn, Tenby and Maenclochog, with others scheduled for next term.”
Kevin Davies, the Council’s Welsh for Adults co-ordinator, considers it vital to work in partnership with the schools.
“Parents are keen to support their children and it’s a privilege to share the language and culture with them” he said.
The National Centre for Learning Welsh, established earlier this year in Carmarthen, conducted research across Wales into the reasons why people learn Welsh.
In West Wales, Beaufort Research discovered three main motives:
- a need to connect with their roots or identity
- a wish to take part in the Welsh community
- a desire to improve their career prospects.
In Pembrokeshire over eighty people are learning ‘Welsh in the Workplace this term. Many attend classes before work – between 8 am and 9 am.
Mairwen Jones, the Council’s Welsh in the Workplace co-ordinator, said: “The commitment of the learners is impressive. It’s not easy to get your head in gear at eight o’clock in the morning – never mind in another language – but they’re doing exceptionally well.”
Classes in Pembrokeshire are now preparing to wish everyone they know a Nadolig Llawen (Happy Christmas). They may also be busy writing letters to Siôn Corn (Santa Claus) with dictionaries and iPads on their wishlists, naturally.
For those who missed the start of the academic year, a new course for beginners starts in Crymych in January.
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