Meet Rachel 

Rachel was born in Aberdare, and works as a Private Secretary to the Leader and Deputy Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.  

She is learning Welsh on a scheme run by the National Centre for Learning Welsh for workforces, and her aim is to use more Welsh at work and in her daily life. 

Here, we ask Rachel about her Learn Welsh journey…   

Where do you learn Welsh? 

I follow a Learn Welsh course in the workplace, which is a confidence-building course.  I meet my tutor, Esther Thomas, every week and have one-to-one sessions with her. 

Tell us a little about the sessions with Esther. 

The sessions with Esther are brilliant, and they give a real boost to my confidence.  They feel like I'm chatting with a friend every week. 

What is the best thing about learning Welsh? 

Without a doubt, the feeling of pride when you can chat with others who speak Welsh. 

How do you practise your Welsh outside the classroom? 

I practise with people who speak Welsh in the office, and I speak Welsh with my daughter. 

What is your goal with Welsh in the future? 

To continue using Welsh every day and build confidence using the language in the workplace. 

What advice would you give to learners who want to learn Welsh?  

Start learning as soon as possible, because it is so worth it!