A group of dedicated staff from the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA), Data Cymru and the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) have successfully completed the first year of their Welsh language learning journey.

Since the autumn, colleagues from across the three organisations have come together every Thursday to take part in ‘Mynediad 1’ – the entry-level course from the National Centre for Learning Welsh. The course has supported learners to build confidence and develop their Welsh language skills alongside their day-to-day work.

Local authorities contribute to the ambition to increase the number of Welsh speakers by implementing Welsh language strategies across areas such as education, the economy, and internal operations. Councils also work in partnership to support the use of Welsh in the workplace and through service delivery, and to help create conditions that encourage greater everyday use of the language.

Councillor Emrys Wynne, WLGA spokesperson for Welsh language said:

“It’s fantastic to see such commitment from staff to learning Welsh and using it in their day-to-day work. The Welsh language is a vital part of our national identity and public life, and it’s encouraging to see organisations creating space for people to learn and grow in confidence. Initiatives like this are an important step towards a truly bilingual Wales.

Dona Lewis, Chief Executive at the National Centre for Learning Welsh, said:

“More people than ever are learning Welsh with the National Centre, which leads the Learn Welsh sector, offering expert teaching both face to face and online, in the community, the workplace, and through sector-specific courses.

“Our workplace-based courses are particularly popular, and some 2,000 employers have taken part in this provision since it was first introduced in 2017.

“We’re delighted to support the dedicated employees at these three organisations with their language journey.  We look forward to continuing to work with employers and individuals across Wales to help fulfil Cymraeg 2050, the Welsh Government’s long-term strategy to reach one million Welsh speakers by 2050."