Learning Welsh with CWU and Dysgu Cymraeg

Learning Welsh – A journey of connection and Wellbeing

Matthew a dedicated Openreach engineer based in Carmarthen, began his Welsh language journey in 2008 with funding from CWU’s Wales Union Learning Fund (WULF) project. Since then he has accessed a number of courses through Welsh Government’s Dysgu Cymraeg programme of courses.

Although his family had long spoken Welsh, Matthew himself had grown up speaking mainly English. With his children attending a Welsh medium school and Welsh being the everyday language of his home community, he felt the growing desire to reconnect to his roots.

Matthew’s decision to learn Welsh was driven by more than practical reasons. His children often spoke Welsh at home and in school, he wanted to be part of their world. He also saw how important the language was to his wider family, culture and community. “I didn’t want to be on the outside looking in”, Matthew recalls. “I wanted to be part of the conversation – literally.”

Starting his classes Matthew committed to regular practice and eventually began using a little Welsh at work and in the community. His colleagues and neighbours supporting him, offering gentle corrections when needed. Overtime he became more confident in using Welsh in his family and daily life.

Learning Welsh had a profound impact on Matthew’s family life and mental health. Speaking Welsh strengthened his bond with his children, being able to help each other out on their learning journeys. The process of learning and speaking Welsh brought a sense of achievement and pride. It helped combat feelings of isolation and improved his mental wellbeing. He made new friends at the Welsh class and had great fun, meeting up and ordering coffees in Welsh.

Learning Welsh has been one of the best decisions he has made, Matthew said;

“Hoffwn ddweud diolch yn fawr iawn i WULF am y gefnogaeth dros y blynyddoedd diwethaf am fy helpu i ddysgu Cymraeg. Hebddyn nhw, byddai’r broses wedi bod yn llawer mwy heriol.

Dw i yn falch iawn o ddweud bod fy Nghymraeg wedi gwella llawer. Dw i yn gobeithio yn y dyfodol y bydd mwy o bobl yn dysgu’r iaith i’w chadw’n fyw.”

“I would like to say a big thank you to WULF for the support they have given me over the years in helping me learn Welsh. Without them the process would have been more challenging.”

I am proud to say that my Welsh has much improved and I hope that in the future more people will learn the language to keep it alive.”

If you would like to start learning or improve your Welsh skills get in touch with your ULR or contact the CWU WULF project at pcherrington@cwu.org.

Jan James

South Wales Branch Learning Co-ordinator