Meet Sarah

Sarah Merton comes from Newport.  She started learning Welsh nine years ago with Learn Welsh Gwent, which runs courses on behalf of the National Centre for Learning Welsh. 

Today, as well as working at Abertillery Library, she is a Learn Welsh tutor and enjoys organising activities for learners in the local community. 

Here, we ask Sarah about her Learn Welsh journey… 

Why did you decide to start learning Welsh? 

I enjoy watching football.  The summer of 2016 was the best ever - I went to France to support Wales in the Euros.  Hearing so many people in the crowd speaking Welsh made me realise how important the language is to Wales.  I knew right then that I had to learn. 

Tell us a bit about your work with the library. 

When I first began working at Abertillery Library, there were very few Welsh speakers in the area.  I decided to set up a weekly Welsh club so people could get together and chat. The group has grown and grown, and last year, I was awarded 'Welsh Language Champion' by Blaenau Gwent Council.   

Where do you teach Welsh? 

I teach an online Entry level class with Learn Welsh Swansea Bay Area, and I love it.  I organised a trip to the Eisteddfod in Pontypridd to show my learners that Welsh is a living language. 

And you also organise walks for learners? 

Yes, as I love walking.  Getting outdoors is so good for your wellbeing, and there are wonderful Welsh in the world of nature, like llygad y dydd for daisy. 

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about learning Welsh? 

Learning Welsh is like eating an enormous cake - you can't eat it all at once!  Take it one slice at a time, and keep going.