Faith Hammond lives in Abercarn, Caerphilly County Borough, with her husband Gethin and son, Gideon.
Faith joined the National Centre for Learning Welsh’s programme for parents and carers, Cymraeg yn y Cartref, in 2023, and is now following a further Welsh course with Learn Welsh Gwent, run by Coleg Gwent on behalf of the National Centre.
Here's Faith’s story:
“When we first decided to send our child to a Welsh-medium school, I was very nervous as I grew up in England and, despite living in Wales since 2009, I hadn’t had a chance to learn the language.
“I joined the Learn Welsh scheme for parents and carers, Cymraeg yn y Cartref, soon after my son started nursery in 2023, and it has been absolutely wonderful. To access the expertise of the tutor, Liz, and the team, and learn language skills in a group specifically for parents has been brilliant.
“We learn the basics of the language as well as phrases and conversation starters we can use to engage with our children, and with what they’re learning at school.
“We have built a great community, and learning together has been a lot of fun.
“Everyone is so welcoming, and we all help each other. There is a great mix of parents and grandparents and different abilities; I always look forward to our sessions.
“I have been so impressed and inspired by what I have learnt, and have continued my learning with an Entry/Mynediad level course. I’ve also been fortunate enough to be able to put my newly-acquired Welsh skills into daily use as I now work within a Welsh- medium nursery setting. I would never have had this opportunity without the start Cymraeg yn y Cartref has given me.
“When I think back to how little Welsh I knew at the start of 2023, and how much I know now, it’s marvellous.
“I recommend the sessions to anyone who would like to give their child the gift of being bilingual, but who don’t speak Cymraeg themselves. It will be the start of an antur enfawr – a huge adventure!”
