In the week that we celebrate St David’s Day, the National Eisteddfod is encouraging Welsh speakers to nominate learners for the prestigious Welsh Learner of the Year competition, sponsored this year by Agored Cymru.
Launching the campaign, Gwennol Haf, the Eisteddfod’s Learners Officer, said: “There’s only a month to go before the closing date for nominations for this year’s Welsh Learner of the Year competition. Over the past few years, the competition has become one of the highlights of the week, and with the emphasis on speaking and using the language, it’s an excellent opportunity to reward Welsh learners.
“The ‘Give Welsh a cwtch’ campaign encourages Welsh speakers to play their own part in this year’s competition by nominating someone who has learnt Welsh well, and who use the language in their everyday life. More and more people are starting to learn Welsh every year, and the success of a competition like Welsh Learner of the Year inspires many to continue learning and others to give Welsh a go.
“We all know people who’ve learnt Welsh for one reason or another. Some people have moved to a new area to work, others have decided to learn Welsh with their children, and they all make an invaluable contribution to our communities across Wales .
“These are the people who should be nominated for the Welsh Learner of the Year competition, those who have worked quietly to learn the language for the benefit of their children or families, to ensure they can offer a Welsh language service as part of their work, or so they can play an active role in community life.
“If you know someone who should be rewarded for their commitment to learning Welsh, why not nominate them and be part of the ‘Give Welsh a cwtch’ campaign? Details and the entry form are available to download online – www.eisteddfod.org.uk. The closing date is 31 March.”
The Learner of the Year trophy is donated by the Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan Welsh for Adults Centre, Cardiff University, and the financial prize of £300 is given by the Gwynfor Fund, Barry. The three other finalists will receive £100 each from the Gwynfor Fund and a trophy each from the Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan Welsh for Adults Centre, Cardiff University.
The Welsh Learner of the Year award night is held at The Bear Hotel, Cowbridge on Wednesday 8 August. The competition is sponsored by Agored Cymru.
The Vale of Glamorgan National Eisteddfod is held on the old airfield at Llandow from 4-11 August.
