Eluned Morgan, the Minister for International Relations and the Welsh Language, visited Nant Gwrtheyrn, The Welsh Language Centre
During her visit Eluned Morgan had the opportunity to witness the challenges as well as the key work that the Centre does in relation to increasing the number of Welsh speakers as well as raising awareness of the Welsh language and culture.
During her visit, the Minister witnessed the buzz in the Valley as the learners engaged in Welsh conversation, oozing confidence in their classes. She also had a great insight into the Centre’s method of immersion into the language in an intensive learning environment. .The Nant currently provides Welsh for Adult residential courses across a range of levels as well as the Use – Work Welsh residential scheme. The main aim of the Work Welsh scheme is to strengthen Welsh language skills within workplaces in Wales. The scheme is now in its third year and is going from strength to strength.
The Minister witnessed that the residential courses are an integral part of the Nant’s long-term vision and an important contribution to the Welsh Government’s goal of creating a million Welsh speakers by 2050.
Eluned Morgan said:
“I am very pleased to have had the opportunity to visit Nant Gwrtheyrn and discuss the important contribution being made to reaching Welsh Government’s Cymraeg 2050 goal of having one million Welsh speakers, as well as the contribution that the centre makes to the local community. It is clear that learners will be vital in reaching a million speakers by 2050.”
“It was wonderful to visit the Work Welsh and Welsh for Adults classes and have the opportunity to chat with a number of learners who were enjoying learning Welsh in such a wonderful setting.”
According to the Chairman, Mr Huw Jones ‘one of the great advantages of our location is that we are within an area where Welsh is still the everyday language of most of the local population’ and this ‘ensures that those who teach it are also comfortable and eager to use it’.
Whilst attending, the AM had the opportunity to see the Nant’s latest developments in the café area and the use made of the resources by the learners.
Over the last few years, the Centre has undergone major refurbishment and expansion, and now offers multi-purpose facilities. With the Nant having welcomed over 30,000 learners since 1982 and now employing 37 local people, the original vision of creating a ‘Peiriant Cymreigio (Welsh Machine) and providing local employment’ has been realized. There are plans to continue to develop the site and resources in the future.