Celebrating learners and new Welsh speakers

As the National Centre for Learning Welsh celebrates its tenth anniversary, we’re delighted to see our collaboration with BBC Radio Cymru and S4C continuing to go from strength to strength. Partnerships such as these play an important role in our efforts to create more opportunities for people to learn, use and enjoy Welsh, while building their confidence in the language.

One of the highlights of this collaboration is Wythnos Dathlu Dysgu Cymraeg – a celebration of learning Welsh – which takes place this year from 10 to 16 October. The week provides a platform for learners and new Welsh speakers from all corners of Wales, celebrating their achievements and inspiring more people to learn and use the language.

A platform for new voices

Throughout the week, a range of features and content will be available across BBC Radio Cymru and S4C’s schedules. Online events will also give learners the opportunity to meet some of Radio Cymru’s presenters and find out more about the work of the Welsh Broadcast Archive.

Find out more here: Wythnos Dathlu Dysgu Cymraeg | Learn Welsh

These opportunities allow learners to put their Welsh skills into practice, enjoy using the language,  building confidence to use it beyond the classroom. By sharing their stories, they can inspire Welsh speakers too, showing how learning Welsh can open doors to new experiences and connections.

Learning, using Welsh and building confidence

More people than ever are learning Welsh – over 20,000 in 2024–2025, including a growing number of young people.

Creating opportunities for learners to use and practise their Welsh beyond the classroom is an important part of the Centre’s work. By using the language in their everyday lives, learners can develop their skills, build confidence and take the next steps towards becoming confident Welsh speakers.

Welsh-language media plays an important role in learners’ language journeys. Listening to and watching Welsh-language content is an excellent way to reinforce what people learn in the classroom and discover more about Wales and its rich culture. And, of course, it’s also a great way to enjoy a wide range of entertaining programmes.

That’s why platforms such as BBC Radio Cymru and S4C are so important. They allow learners to hear Welsh being used in a variety of contexts, while providing opportunities for their own voices to be heard too.

Partnerships that create opportunities

Partnership working is central to the Centre’s approach. By collaborating with organisations such as BBC Radio Cymru and S4C, we can extend our reach, connect with new audiences and create meaningful opportunities for learners to use Welsh.

Wythnos Dathlu Dysgu Cymraeg is an excellent example of what we can achieve together. It shines a spotlight on people learning the language, celebrates the small and significant milestones along the way, and shows that everyone is welcome to learn and speak Welsh.

Inspiring the next generation of Welsh speakers

Learners and new Welsh speakers have important stories to tell. Sharing their reasons for learning, their positive experiences and the enjoyment they gain from using Welsh can inspire others to follow in their footsteps. By hearing from people from a wide range of backgrounds, more people can begin to see themselves learning Welsh too.

The Centre’s work contributes to the Welsh Government’s ambition to reach a million Welsh speakers by 2050 and double the daily use of the language. Achieving this ambition means both encouraging people to learn Welsh, while also ensuring they have opportunities to use the language, gain confidence and enjoy being part of a vibrant Welsh-speaking community.