Learn a new skill this September! Free Welsh lessons for youngsters and teachers

Young people aged 16-25 and school staff across Wales are being invited to take up the opportunity to learn Cymraeg for free.

The free Welsh language lessons scheme, funded by the Welsh Government, has been running for two years, with over 3,200 people benefitting in 2023-24.

In July, the Welsh Government introduced the Welsh Language and Education Bill in the Senedd.

The legislation aims to ensure that all pupils are independent Welsh language users, at least, by the time they reach the end of compulsory school age, equipped to use the language in both personal and professional settings.

For young people aged 16-25, the free lessons offer those who didn’t learn to speak the language at school a second chance to become Welsh speakers.

One young person who has benefitted from the scheme is 23-year-old American-born Isabella Colby Browne who moved to Flintshire at a young age.

Actress Isabella won the Bobi Jones prize for Welsh learners at this year’s Urdd Eisteddfod.

She said: “I started learning Welsh three years ago. I mainly learn the language through weekly online lessons, and last year I went on an an exciting trip to Nant Gwrtheyrn for an intermediate residential course.

“These sessions are all free to me because I’m under twenty-five, and I feel incredibly blessed for the experiences and opportunities open to me.

“Having won the Bobi Jones Medal at the Urdd Eisteddfod, I feel my hard work has paid off and I can’t wait to see what’s next.”

A teaching workforce able to teach Welsh and through the medium of Welsh is crucial to achieve the goal of one million Welsh speakers by
2050.

The free Welsh lessons are provided through the National Centre for Learning Welsh. The Centre’s Chief Executive, Dona Lewis, said: “The number of people learning Welsh is increasing.

The Centre is pleased to be able to continue to offer opportunities for young people to learn for free.

They can do so by joining lessons in class or virtually. The Centre has also introduced the Education Workforce Learning Welsh programme, which offers a range of courses for teachers and teaching assistants.

“We look forward to implementing these programmes over the next year and welcoming more people to join us to learn Welsh.”

Prif Weinidog Eluned Morgan said: “Through this scheme, we’re making it easier than ever for people to learn Welsh and pass the language on to others. I’m delighted that so many have already signed up for the courses.

“The Welsh language belongs to us all, and whether you’re looking to gain confidence in using the language in your daily life or to connect more with Welsh culture, now is the perfect time to give it a go.”

Click here to sign up for the free courses and explore all available learning options online, in your workplace, or in the community.