Coleman’s first goal is to Learn Welsh

Before even coaching his first game for Wales, Chris Coleman has set his sights on his first goal already and that is to learn Welsh. The Welsh football coach who was newly appointed in January, is determined to learn the Welsh language.

Coleman said: “I travel around Wales a lot and meet many Welsh speakers. I would love to be able to converse with others the best I can through the medium of Welsh and am very much looking forward to singing the Welsh National Anthem in New York before the game against Mexico and also being able to be interviewed in Welsh in the future”.

The Welsh coach who will be attending weekly lessons with Geoff Wright, an experienced tutor from the Welsh for Adults Centre Cardiff and the Vale, Cardiff University. Mr Wright said: “I feel very pleased to be able to teach  Welsh to Mr Coleman and I have to say that his pronunciation is excellent even after the first lesson!”

Chris Coleman is originally from Swansea but hasn’t had a Welsh lesson since he was 12 years old. He said: I have thoroughly enjoyed my first Welsh lesson in years and I’m very much looking forward to learning the language of Wales. Also, I have recently been doing a lot of research into the history of the country, which I find extremely interesting”.

Jarmo Matikainen, the Welsh Women’s team coach has also been having Welsh lessons with Geoff Wright. Mr Matikainen, who’s originally from Finland said:

“A lot of the coaching staff and some of the players speak Welsh and I feel like it’s very important for me to be able to communicate with them in their mother tongue”.

A spokesperson from the FAW said: “The FAW  are delighted that both Chris and Jaarmo are learning Welsh. We have a firm commitment to the language through our website,our quarterly bilingual magazine the Voice and our presence at both the Urdd and National Eisteddfod”.

The Welsh for Adults Centre Cardiff and the Vale hold Welsh courses all over Cardiff and the Vale for people who are on all levels of Welsh.

To find more information about learning Welsh with the Cardiff and the Vale, Welsh for Adults Centre, please visit www.learnwelsh.co.uk or call 029 20 874 710.

 

Gwenllian Willis                                willisg1@cardiff.ac.uk / www.learnwelsh.co.uk/ 029 20 879 318

Marketing Officer

Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan Welsh for Adults

Cardiff University

Colum Drive

CF10 3EU

                                       

Gôl Gyntaf Coleman yw i ddysgu Cymraeg

Cyn i Chris Coleman hyd yn oed hyfforddi ei gêm gyntaf dros Gymru mae e wedi bwrw golwg ar ei gôl gyntaf ac hynny yw dysgu Cymraeg. Mae’r hyfforddwr pêl-droed a gafodd ei apwyntio ym mis Ionawr, yn benderfynol o ddysgu Cymraeg.

Dywedodd Coleman: “Dw i’n teithio o amgylch Cymru llawer ac yn cwrdd â nifer o siaradwyr Cymraeg. Byddwn i wrth fy modd yn gallu sgwrsio gydag eraill mor dda ag y gallwn i drwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg a dw i wir yn edrych ymlaen at ganu’r Anthem Genedlaethol yn Efrog Newydd cyn y gêm yn erbyn Mecsico ac hefyd hoffwn i gael fy nghyfweld drwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg yn y dyfodol”.

Bydd yr hyfforddwr yn mynychu gwersi wythnosol gyda Geoff Wright, tiwtor profiadol o Ganolfan Cymraeg i Oedolion Caerdydd a Bro Morgannwg, Prifysgol Caerdydd. Dywedodd Mr Wright “Dw i’n teimlo’n falch iawn o’r cyfle i ddysgu Cymraeg i Mr Coleman ac mae’n rhaid dweud bod ei ynganu yn arbennig o dda, hyd yn oed ar ôl ei wers gyntaf!”

Mae Chris Coleman o Abertawe yn wreiddiol ond nid yw e wedi cael gwers Gymraeg ers yr oedd yn 12 mlwydd oed.  Dywedodd e: “ Dw i wir wedi mwynhau fy ngwers gyntaf a dw i wir yn edrych ymlaen i ddysgu iaith Cymru. Hefyd, dw i wedi bod yn gwneud gwaith ymchwil i hanes y wlad. Roedd e’n ddiddorol iawn mae’n rhaid dweud”.

Mae Jarmo Matikainen, hyfforddwr tîm Menywod Cymru wedi bod yn cael gwersi gyda Geoff Wright hefyd. Dywedodd Mr Matikainen sydd o’r Ffindir yn wreiddiol:

“Mae llawer o’r staff hyfforddi a rhai o’r chwaraewyr yn siarad Cymraeg a dw i’n teimlo ei fod yn bwysig iawn i allu cyfathrebu gyda nhw yn eu mamiaith”.

Dywedodd llefarydd o’r CBC: “Mae’r CBC yn hapus iawn bod Chris a Jaarmo yn dysgu Cymraeg. Rydyn ni wedi ymrwymo 100%  i’r iaith trwy ein gwefan, ein cylchgrawn dwyieithog chwarterol, The Voice, a’n presenoldeb yn yr Urdd a’r Eisteddfod Genedlaethol”.

Mae Canolfan Cymraeg i Oedolion Caerdydd a Bro Morgannwg yn cynnal cyrsiau Cymraeg dros Gaerdydd a’r Fro ar gyfer ppobl sydd ar bob lefel.

I gael rhagor o fanylion am ddysgu Cymraeg gyda Chanolfan Cymraeg i Oedolion Caerdydd a Bro Morgannwg, ewch i www.learnwelsh.co.uk neu ffoniwch 029 20 874 710.

Learn some Welsh this Autumn - Dysgwch ychydig o Gymraeg dros y Gaeaf

New classes on all levels will be starting this month but also in January 2012 - with endless opportunities to learn what's stopping you?..

In the week beginning the 14th of November we will be running our ever popular £20 tasters. These courses are an ideal way to get a taste for learning the language. The courses will run over 5 weeks (2 hour per week) at various locations in Cardiff and the Vale. 

As well as our tasters there are also some 30 weeks beginners courses starting very soon - it’s not too late to enrol.

We have a great special offer on the beginners (Entry) 120 hour course - instead of £295 you can join for £199! You will complete the whole Entry level in less than a year.

Classes on our other levels also start this month - Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced.

New 2 week block courses will be trialled again at the end of November. These courses have gone down a storm with people attending the classroom for 2 weeks 9.30am-16.30pm to complete half a national level. Foundation and Advanced 1A classes will run from the 21st of November.

We hope that one of our courses will suit your needs, go on get started!

 

Fun in the Sun in Nant Gwrtheyrn - Hwyl a Haul yn Nant Gwrtheyrn

A group of learners from Cardiff went to join learners from all over Wales for a weekend in Nant Gwrtheyrn between 1 – 3 April 2011.

The learners really enjoyed themselves. They went for a walk on the beautiful beach on a trip to Beddgelert and to Hedd Wyn’s home, The Ysgwrn, in Trawsfynydd where they met the renowned bard’s nephew – Gerald Williams.

They joined in the fun of the North Wales learners Eisteddfod on the Saturday night and James Dowden from Cardiff won the Solo competition! Other learners from Cardiff also took part in the recital and singing group competitions.

We also had the honour of being in the company of Dafydd Iwan on the Sunday morning. He gave a lovely service and sang some classic songs such as Mae’n Wlad i Mi and Yma o Hyd.
Gwenllian Willis,Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan Informal Learning Officer said: “It’s important that learners hear the Welsh language as it’s spoken naturally, that they have the chance to speak the language, to learn more about Wales and to enjoy whilst doing all of these things. This is exactly what happened in Nant Gwrtheyrn. It was a great opportunity for them and they’ve all benefited greatly from it”.
Every Welsh for Adults Centre’s eager to organise another trip like this next year because it was such a success. Also, the Welsh for Adults Centre Cardiff and the Vale are organising a Residential Course for learners in Mulberry House, Abergavenny between 6 -8 May. For more details please contact Gwenllian Willis on 029 20 879 319 neu willisg1@caerdydd.ac.uk

Hwyl a Haul yn Nant Gwrtheyrn

Aeth grŵp o ddysgwyr o Gaerdydd i ymuno â dysgwyr o dros Gymru gyfan am benwythnos arbennig yn Nant Gwrtheyrn rhwng 1 – 3 Ebrill 2011.

Mwynheuodd y dysgwyr mas draw wrth fynd am dro lawr i’r traeth prydferth, ar daith i Feddgelert ac i gartref Hedd Wyn, yr Ysgwrn, yn Nhrawsfynydd lle cwrddon nhw â nai y bardd adnabyddus – Gerald Williams.
Ymunon nhw yn hwyl Eisteddfod Dysgwyr y Gogledd ar y nos Sadwrn ac enillodd James Dowden o Gaerdydd y gystadleuaeth Unawd! Cymerodd dysgwyr eraill Caerdydd rhan yn y gystadleuaeth llefaru a’r grŵp canu hefyd.
Cafon hefyd y fraint o fod yng nghwmni Dafydd Iwan ar y bore dydd Sul wrth iddo roi gwasanaeth iddynt a chanu caneuon yn cynnwys yr hen glasuron Mae’n Wlad i Mi ac Yma o Hyd.

Dywedodd Gwenllian Willis, Swyddog Dysgu Anffurfiol Caerdydd a Bro Morgannwg: “Mae’n bwysig bod dysgwyr yn clywed yr iath Gymraeg yn naturiol, yn cael cyfle i ddefnyddio’r iaith, i ddysgu am Gymru ac i fwynhau yn fawr wrth wneud hyn. Dyna’n union beth ddigwyddodd yn Nant Gwrtheyrn. Roedd yn gyfle arbennig ac maent i gyd wedi elwa’n fawr ohono”.

Mae pob Canolfan Cymraeg i Oedolion yn awyddus iawn i drefnu taith arall o’r fath y flwyddyn nesaf ar ôl y daith lwyddiannus hon. Hefyd, mae Canolfan Cymraeg i Oedolion Caerdydd a Bro Morgannwg yn trefnu Cwrs Preswyl arall rhwng 6 a 8 Mai. Am ragor o fanylion cysylltwch â Gwenllian Willis ar 029 20 879 318 neu willisg1@caerdydd.ac.uk

Celebrate St David’s Day with a FREE Welsh taster course

Cardiff University’s Welsh for Adults Centre will take part in St David’s Day celebrations by running FREE Welsh taster sessions at the Hayes Library and beginner’s courses in Grangetown in conjunction with the famous St David’s Day parade. This year will see the eighth annual parade taking place in the Capital City, decked out for the first time in giant daffodils and red dragon flags along the route.The parade is one of the most colourful and fun events to come to Cardiff in recent years.

This year’s parade will enjoy the spectacular sights and sounds of the award winning pipe band and dancers, Bagad Cap Caval and multi-cultural arts group SWICA. Hundreds of school pupils take part in the walking parade, dressing up in national costume or the modern equivalent of Welsh rugby shirts and flat caps. Crowds of visitors and office workers are also expected to line the streets. The parade will wind its way along a short route through the City Centre, departing from City Hall at approximately 12.30 p.m and will end with performances at the specially erected bandstand in the Hayes. Two 45 minute FREE taster sessions starting at 12pm and 1pm will run at the library while the parade congregates outside on the Hayes. The Welsh for Adults Centre also celebrate St David’s Day by starting a beginner’s Welsh course at the Buzz Information Shop in Grangetown. Anyone interested in taking part in the FREE taster course at the Hayes can register their interest beforehand or turn up at the library on St David’s Day. To register for the course at the Grangetown Buzz Centre contact the Centre.

Celebrate St David’s Day in style by learning Welsh with the Welsh for Adults Centre. Register by contacting the Centre on 02920 874 710 or visiting www.learnwelsh.co.uk

Construction trainers swap tools for text books as they strive to deliver lessons in Welsh

Tutors at Cardiff Construction Training Centre have been swapping their tools for text books in a bid to deliver lessons in Welsh.

 

Staff at the Dumballs Road centre have been mastering the Welsh language with the  Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Welsh for Adults Centreso that they can eventually provide a bilingual curriculum.Lessons take place once a week at the centre, and between lessons staff make an effort to use the Welsh they have learnt as much as possible.

David Marcel, a lecturer in carpentry and joinery at the college, has been learning Welsh not only for teaching purposes, but also to keep up with his two young daughters who attend a Welsh medium primary school.

 

 

David said: “I started learning Welsh at school and quite enjoyed it, but didn’t complete the course and regretted it. I’m grateful that I’ve got another opportunity to learn the language, and I hope that one day I will become fluent.

“At the centre, we’re all really determined that one day we’ll be able to teach through the medium of Welsh. And I’ve got more of an incentive as I’d like to be able to help my daughters with their homework.”

Eight members of staff at the centre, which is part of Barry College, are learning to speak Welsh.

 

Rachel Heath-Davies, Director of the Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Welsh for Adults Centre, said: “I am really impressed by Cardiff Construction Training Centre’s commitment to learning the Welsh language. Delivering training through the medium of Welsh would not only increase the centre’s educational offering, but would also boost learners’ prospects in the workplace. The benefits of speaking Welsh in the workplace nowadays are endless, from reaching more customers, gaining better customer loyalty and improving the quality of service.”

 

Hyfforddwyr adeiladu yn cyfnewid offer am lyfrau dysgu wrth iddynt ymdrechu i ddarparu cyrsiau yn Gymraeg

Mae tiwtoriaid yng Nghanolfan Hyfforddi Adeiladwyr Caerdydd wedi bod yn cyfnewid eu hoffer am lyfrau dysgu mewn ymdrech i ddarparu cyrsiau yn Gymraeg.

Mae staff yng nghanolfan Dumballs Road wedi bod yn dysgu Cymraeg gyda Chanolfan Cymraeg i Oedolion Caerdydd a Bro Morgannwg, gyda’r nod o fedru darparu cwricwlwm dwyieithog yn y pen draw. Cynhelir y gwersi unwaith yr wythnos yn y ganolfan, a rhwng gwersi mae’r staff yn gwneud pob ymdrech i ddefnyddio’r Gymraeg maent wedi ei dysgu mor aml â phosibl.

Mae David Marcel, darlithydd gwaith saer yn y coleg, yn dysgu Cymraeg am fwy nag un rheswm. Yn ogystal â dysgu ar gyfer ei waith, mae hefyd yn ceisio dal i fyny gyda’i ddwy ferch fach sy’n mynychu ysgol gynradd cyfrwng Cymraeg. Meddai David: “Nes i ddechrau dysgu Cymraeg yn yr ysgol a ro’n i’n eitha’ mwynhau, ond yn anffodus wnes i ddim cwblhau'r cwrs. Ro’n i’n difaru peidio ac yn ddiolchgar iawn mod i wedi cael cyfle arall i ddysgu’r iaith a dwi’n gobeithio rhyw ddydd y bydda i’n rhugl.

“Rydyn ni i gyd yn benderfynol yn y ganolfan y byddwn ni yn gallu dysgu trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg rhyw ddydd. Ac mae gen i fwy byth o gymhelliad achos mi fydden i’n hoffi gallu helpu fy merched gyda’u gwaith cartref.”Mae wyth o aelodau staff y ganolfan, sy’n rhan o Goleg y Barri, yn y broses o ddysgu siarad Cymraeg.  

 

Meddai Rachel Heath-Davies, Cyfarwyddwraig Canolfan Cymraeg i Oedolion Caerdydd a Bro Morgannwg: “Mae ymrwymiad Canolfan Hyfforddi Adeiladwyr Caerdydd tuag at ddysgu Cymraeg wedi gwneud argraff arna i. Nid yn unig y bydd darparu hyfforddiant trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg yn cynyddu darpariaeth addysgiadol y ganolfan, bydd hefyd yn rhoi hwb i’r cyfleoedd sydd ar gael i ddysgwyr yn y gweithle. Mae’r manteision o siarad Cymraeg yn y gweithle yn ddiddiwedd y dyddiau hyn, o gyrraedd mwy o gwsmeriaid, ennyn gwell teyrngarwch gan gwsmeriaid a gwella ansawdd y gwasanaeth.”

Welsh learners help inform Assembly language proposals

Bilingual Wales

Welsh learners at the Welsh for Adults Centre recently had a guest appearance during their lesson, by Welsh Assembly Government’s Minister for Heritage, Alun Ffred Jones.

 

 

Assembly Minister, Alun Ffred Jones visited a class of Welsh learners studying an intermediate course based in Chapter, Cantonas part of  The Assembly Government’s review of its Welsh Language strategy, 'Iaith Pawb'. The Minister took part in a question and answer session which gave the class the chance to practice their Welsh as well as learn more about the Ministers' work, life, and views. He also encouraged the learners to contribute their thoughts on what the future strategy should address, based on their experiences of learning Welsh.

Director of the Welsh for Adults Centre, Rachel Heath-Davies said: "We were over the moon that the Minister visited one of our classes. It was a great opportunity for him to learn more about the classes held by the Centre and to rise awareness amongst learners of their role and that they too can contribute to Welsh Assembly Government consultations on the Welsh language.

“The whole class thoroughly enjoyed meeting the Minister and asking him questions in Welsh. They not only learnt more about the work of a Minister in the Assembly, but also had an opportunity to speak Welsh with a Welsh speaker. "

 

Cymru Ddwyieithog

Dysgwyr Cymraeg yn helpu gydag awgrymiadau iaith y Cynulliad.

Cafodd dysgwyr Cymraeg yn y Ganolfan Cymraeg i Oedolion ymweliad gan westai arbennig yn ystod eu gwers yn ddiweddar, gan Weinidog Treftadaeth Llywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru, Alun Ffred Jones.

Ymwelodd y Gweinidog, Alun Ffred Jones â dosbarth o ddysgwyr Cymraeg sy’n astudio cwrs canolradd yn Chapter, Treganna fel rhan o adolygiad Llywodraeth y Cynulliad o’i strategaeth ar yr iaith Gymraeg, sef 'Iaith Pawb'. Cynhaliodd y Gweinidog sesiwn holi ac ateb gan roi cyfle i’r dosbarth i ymarfer eu Cymraeg yn ogystal a dysgu mwy am waith, bywyd a safbwyntiau’r Gweinidog. Bu hefyd yn annog y dysgwyr i gyfrannu eu barn am yr hyn y dylai’r strategaeth ymgymryd ag ef yn y dyfodol, yn seiliedig ar eu profiadau o ddysgu Cymraeg. 

Meddai Cyfarwyddwraig y Ganolfan Cymraeg i Oedolion, Rachel Heath-Davies: "Roedden ni’n falch iawn o groesawu’r Gweinidog i un o’n dosbarthiadau. Roedd yn gyfle arbennig iddo fe gael dysgu mwy am y cyrsiau a gynhelir gan y Ganolfan ac i godi ymwybyddiaeth ymysg dysgwyr o’u rôl a’r ffaith eu bod nhw hefyd yn gallu cyfrannu tuag at ymgynghoriad Llywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru ar yr iaith Gymraeg.  “Mwynheuodd yr holl ddosbarth y profiad o gwrdd â’r Gweinidog a gofyn cwestiynnau iddo yn Gymraeg. Nid yn unig y caswon nhw ddysgu am waith Gweinidog yn y Cynulliad, cawson nhw hefyd gyfle i siarad Cymraeg gyda siaradwr Cymraeg."

Fast-track Welsh / Cymraeg Llwybr Carlam

New course offers speedier route for learners

A new and improved intensive course designed to fast-track Welsh language learners will be launched next month throughout Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.

The new Wlpan course which can be completed in just one year compared to four when studying a ‘once a week’ beginners course, offers learners a speedy route to language proficiency.

The course, developed by Cardiff University’s Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan Welsh for Adults Centre, offers learners the opportunity to gain skills in a variety of new and quicker ways.

Learners will be able to choose either to study in the classroom, twice or more every week; use blended learning where half is taught in class and half online as independent learning; or attend a summer course where they can complete the whole course in just eight weeks.

Gareth Kiff, Senior Tutor in Welsh at the Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan Welsh for Adults Centre, said: “For a whole variety of reasons, whether it’s Welsh language skills for the job market or to keep pace with their children’s Welsh learning at school, adults are increasingly looking for a speedier way to learn the language.

“The fast-track Wlpan course allows those learners who wish to press ahead and increase their skills the opportunity and flexibility to do so in the shortest possible time.”

Wlpan, deriving from the Hebrew Ulpan, is a particular language learning technique, which has been successfully adopted by the Centre for over 25 years.

Rhobat Bryn Jones, the leader of the team which produced the new course, believes that inclusiveness is an important factor in the success of the Wlpan method. 

Rhobat Bryn Jones said: "We are very aware that Wales is a multi-cultural society and this is particularly true of the region where we work.  We have sought to reflect this in our choice of materials on the new course.  It is also, for many, an opportunity to learn that which was not available to them at school.

“One important aim of this course is to ensure that choices made at an earlier age are not an obstacle to gaining access to the Welsh language."

Tutors present new patterns in the form of drills, where pupils use repetition and speak out-loud. These patterns are introduced in blocks so they are easily absorbed. 

Rachel Heath-Davies, Director of Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan Welsh for Adults Centre, said: “Learning Welsh has never been easier. There are so many flexible ways to learn the language, and the newly revamped Wlpan course provides a better opportunity than ever to get a grip on the Welsh language.”

The Welsh For Adults Centre provides courses on all levels throughout Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan in the community and in the workplace all year. Around 2,000 adults learn Welsh through the Centre each year.
Further information on how to apply for the new Wlpan course is available by contacting the Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan Welsh for Adults Centre on 02920 874 710 or by visiting www.learnwelsh.co.uk.

Cwrs newydd yn cynnig llwybr cynt i ddysgwyr

Fis nesaf, ar hyd a lled Caerdydd a Bro Morgannwg, caiff cwrs dwys newydd ei lansio sydd wedi’i gynllunio i roi dysgwyr Cymraeg ar drywydd cyflym.

Mae’r cwrs Wlpan newydd, y gellir ei gwblhau mewn blwyddyn yn hytrach na’r pedair blynedd wrth astudio cwrs ‘unwaith yr wythnos’ i ddechreuwyr, yn cynnig llwybr cyflym at hyfedredd ieithyddol i ddysgwyr.

Mae’r cwrs, a gafodd ei ddatblygu gan Ganolfan Cymraeg i Oedolion Caerdydd a Bro Morgannwg Prifysgol Caerdydd, yn cynnig y cyfle i ddysgwyr ddatblygu eu sgiliau mewn amryw o ffyrdd newydd a chyflymach.

Bydd dysgwyr yn cael dewis un ai astudio yn y dosbarth, ddwy waith neu’n fwy bob wythnos; defnyddio dysgu cyfunol lle addysgir hanner y cwrs yn y dosbarth a’r hanner arall ar-lein fel dysgu annibynnol; neu fynychu cwrs haf lle gellir cwblhau’r cwrs cyfan mewn wyth wythnos yn unig.

Dywedodd Gareth Kiff, Uwch Diwtor Cymraeg yng Nghanolfan Cymraeg i Oedolion Caerdydd a Bro Morgannwg: “Am amrywiaeth o resymau, gan gynnwys sgiliau iaith Gymraeg i’r farchnad waith neu er mwyn cynorthwyo addysg Gymraeg eu plant yn yr ysgol, mae oedolion yn edrych am ffordd gynt o ddysgu’r iaith.

“Mae cwrs llwybr carlam Wlpan yn cynnig y cyfle a’r hyblygrwydd i’r dysgwyr hynny sy’n dymuno datblygu a chynyddu eu sgiliau i wneud hynny mewn cyfnod byr o amser.”

Techneg dysgu iaith benodol yw Wlpan, sy’n tarddu o’r gair Hebraeg Ulpan, ac sydd wedi ei haddasu’n llwyddiannus gan y Ganolfan ers dros 25 mlynedd.

Mae Rhobat Bryn Jones, arweinydd y tîm sydd wedi cynhyrchu’r cwrs newydd, yn credu bod cynhwysiant yn ffactor pwysig yn llwyddiant dull Wlpan.

Dywedodd Rhobat Bryn Jones: “Rydym yn ymwybodol iawn fod Cymru yn gymdeithas aml-ddiwylliant, yn enwedig yn y rhanbarth ble rydym yn gweithio. Rydym yn ymdrechu i adlewyrchu hynny yn ein dewis o ddeunyddiau ar y cwrs newydd. Hefyd, mae’n gyfle i nifer o bobl ddysgu pwnc nad oedd ar gael iddynt yn yr ysgol.

“Un nod pwysig i ni gyda’r cwrs hwn yw sicrhau nad yw dewisiadau a gafodd eu gwneud yn gynt mewn bywyd yn rhwystr at gael mynediad at yr iaith Gymraeg.”

Mae tiwtoriaid yn cyflwyno patrymau newydd ar ffurf driliau, gyda dysgwyr yn ailadrodd a siarad yn uchel. Cyflwynir y patrymau hyn mewn blociau er mwyn iddynt gael eu hamsugno’n hawdd.

Dywedodd Rachel Heath-Davies, Cyfarwyddwraig Canolfan Cymraeg i Oedolion Caerdydd a Bro Morgannwg: “Nid yw dysgu Cymraeg erioed wedi bod yn haws. Mae yna gynifer o ffyrdd hyblyg i ddysgu’r iaith, ac mae’r cwrs Wlpan sydd newydd gael ei ailwampio yn cynnig cyfle gwell nag erioed i feistroli’r iaith Gymraeg.”

Mae’r Ganolfan Cymraeg i Oedolion yn cynnig cyrsiau ar bob lefel ar hyd a lled Caerdydd a Bro Morgannwg yn y gymuned ac yn y gweithle trwy gydol y flwyddyn. Bob blwyddyn, mae tua 2,000 o oedolion yn dysgu Cymraeg yn y Ganolfan. Mae mwy o wybodaeth ynghylch sut i ymgeisio am le ar y cwrs Wlpan newydd ar gael trwy gysylltu â Chanolfan Cymraeg i Oedolion Caerdydd a Bro Morgannwg ar 02920 874 710 neu drwy ymweld â www.learnwelsh.co.uk.

 

Doctors and nurses examine the benefits of learning Welsh in the workplace

Staff at two south Wales hospitals were able to examine the benefits of speaking Welsh in the workplace at free language taster sessions arranged by the Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Welsh for Adults Centre. The bite-sized language courses were put on for staff at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff and the University Hospital Llandough in the Vale of Glamorgan.

 

The sessions were suitable for beginners and each participant was entitled to six hours of Welsh lessons online following the classes, as well as two hours of e-mentoring and a final lesson in class – completely free of charge.The Welsh Assembly Government funded Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan Welsh for Adults Centre has been providing courses to companies throughout the region for over 25 years.

Similar free taster sessions were also held at the departure lounge in Cardiff Airport last week for both staff and holidaymakers. The three events encouraged a total of 89 people to sign up for future Welsh courses.

 Rachel Heath-Davies, director of the centre, said: “Being able to use Welsh as well as English in the workplace is a great asset as it really improves the quality of an organisation’s service and enables them to reach more people. It also demonstrates to customers that you respect the Welsh culture and the communities that you serve.

“We really enjoyed going into the airport and the hospitals and the staff were extremely receptive and I think they took a lot away from the day.”

Radiographer Helen Flower, who took part in the session at UHW, said: “I’m finding that more and more people are speaking Welsh in the workplace so I think it’s important to know a little bit myself. I found the session today very useful and it has encouraged me to keep on learning.”

To find out more information about Welsh courses for employers phone 029 2087 4710, email info@learnwelsh.co.uk or visit www.learnwelsh.co.uk

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Cafodd staff mewn dau ysbyty yn Ne Cymru gyfle i archwilio’r manteision o siarad Cymraeg yn y gweithle mewn sesiynau blasu rhad ac am ddim a drefnwyd gan Ganolfan Cymraeg i Oedolion Caerdydd a Bro Morgannwg.Trefnwyd y cyrsiau byrion ar gyfer staff yn Ysbyty Prifysgol Cymru yng Nghaerdydd ac Ysbyty’r Brifysgol yn Llandochau, Bro Morgannwg.

 

Meddai Rachel Heath-Davies, cyfarwyddwraig y ganolfan: “Mae’r gallu i ddefnyddio’r Gymraeg yn ogystal â’r Saesneg yn y gweithle yn fantais fawr gan ei fod yn gwella ansawdd gwasanaethau’r cwmni ac yn eu galluogi i gyrraedd mwy o bobl. Mae hefyd yn dangos i gwsmeriaid eich bod chi’n parchu’r diwylliant Cymreig a’r cymunedau dy chi’n eu gwasanaethu.  

“Fe wnaethon ni fwynhau mynd i’r maes awyr a’r ysbytai, fe gawson ni dderbyniad arbennig gan y staff a dwi’n meddwl eu bod nhw wedi elwa llawer o’r gwersi.” Meddai’r Radiograffydd Helen Flower, a fynychodd sesiwn yn Ysbyty Prifysgol Cymru: “Dwi’n sylwi fod mwy a mwy o bobl yn siarad Cymraeg yn y gwaith felly dwi’n meddwl ei bod hi’n bwysig fy mod i’n gwybod ychydig fy hun. Ro’n i’n teimlo fod y sesiwn heddiw wedi bod yn ddefnyddiol iawn ac mae o wedi rhoi anogaeth i fi i barhau gyda’r dysgu.”

I gael mwy o wybodaeth am gyrsiau Cymraeg i gyflogwyr ffoniwch 029 2087 4710, e-bostiwch info@learnwelsh.co.uk neu ymwelwch â www.learnwelsh.co.uk

 

ReACT Funding Ignites Former Fireman’s Desire to Learn Welsh

Being made redundant was a blessing in disguise for a former Vale of Glamorgan fireman as it meant he could fulfil his lifelong ambition of learning to speak Welsh.

Before he lost his job as fire station officer at Cardiff Airport, Terence Owens, aged 64, says he never had the time to attend Welsh lessons. But with more time on his hands after being made redundant, coupled with the Welsh Assembly Government’s ReACT funding, the grandfather-of-four was able to enrol on a courseTerence, who lives in Lavernock Point in Sully, was in Barry town centre shortly after he lost his job and came across a stand that was advertising courses atCardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan Welsh for Adults Centre in Cardiff University.

Terence was informed by staff at the Welsh for Adults Centre that he could apply for ReACT funding because he had been made redundant, which would more than cover the cost of a Welsh course.Supported by the European Social Fund, ReACT offers a package of support to help redundant workers gain new skills, overcome obstacles and improve their chances of returning to work.The support includes short course vocational training of up to the value of £2,500, a recruitment subsidy for employers of up to £2,080 and up to 70 per cent of approved training costs to a maximum of £1,000.

Terence was awarded the funding which enabled him to attend an intensive course at his local Welsh for Adults Centre. Ill-health has temporarily prevented Terence from progressing further with his Welsh but he says when he is better he will definitely return to studying the language.Terence said: “Throughout my life I have always wanted to learn Welsh, but I never seemed to have time. For a long time I was holding down two jobs and I barely had time to see my own family. My dad spoke Welsh and I always regretted that I was never sent to Welsh school. But I’m just a case in point that it’s never too late to learn.”“I’ve been ill recently but once I’m back to my former health I will continue learning Welsh and if I gain employment in the future I hope to be able to use it in my new workplace.” Terence continued: “The course that I did was excellent and I learnt such a lot in a short space of time. I must say that the teaching at the Welsh for Adults Centre was excellent, and although the course was very intense the tutors always gave the time to explain things properly. I would definitely recommend it.”

Rachel Heath-Davies, Director of the Welsh Assembly Government-funded Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan Welsh for Adults Centre, said: “I am very impressed by learners like Terence who decide to turn their misfortune into an opportunity and make positive use of his time to learn Welsh. It is great to see him fulfilling a lifelong ambition and I hope this new found skill will prove to be of additional value when seeking new employment.

“When Terence was working he found that he didn’t have time to learn Welsh. At the Welsh for Adults Centres learning Welsh has never been easier. There are so many flexible ways to learn the language, in particular our acclaimed online ‘blended WLPAN course’.”

John Griffiths, Deputy Minister for Skills, and a Welsh learner himself, said: “I am really pleased to see that the combination of ReACT funding and excellent learning provision at the Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Welsh for Adults Centre has enabled Mr Owen to achieve his dream of speaking Welsh. There are so many good reasons to learn to speak Welsh and there has never been a better time to do it.”

Ryan exercises his language skills and boosts business

When Cardiff fitness instructor Ryan Condon started to advertise his services through the medium of Welsh, he knew he wasn’t punching above his weight.For freelance trainer and semi-professional boxer Ryan was thoroughly confident in his Welsh language abilities having embarked on an acclaimed acclaimed Welsh for Adults course at Cardiff University. .

Ryan, aged 27 who lives in Cardiff Bay, wanted to learn to speak Welsh not only as a personal challenge but also because he could see the commercial benefits in communicating with Welsh speaking clients in their own languageSince promoting himself as a bilingual fitness instructor, Ryan says that his Welsh speaking clients are more likely to stay with him because they feel more comfortable communicating in Welsh.

Ryan, who is based at the Fitness Factory Cymru on Dumballs Road, said: “I didn’t have to set goals as such; I just wanted to learn to communicate in Welsh so I could train Welsh speaking clients in their own language. There has been a surge in Welsh speakers in the city over the years and I was conscious that there weren’t that many Welsh-speaking personal trainers.“I started off at the Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Welsh for Adults Centre on the WLPAN intensive course and I really enjoyed it so then I decided to go for the advanced course. I have also done the intermediate and higher level versions of the summer course that Welsh for Adults offer, which was really intense but great fun. “I would thoroughly recommend the course. As well as having a great time on the course with the tutors and other learners, my business has boomed because I can now offer a Welsh speaking service. “It’s been quite a challenge learning some of the technical language, but definitely worth it in the long run.”

John Griffiths, Welsh Assembly Government Deputy Minister for Skills, who is also a Welsh learner, said: “There are so many good reasons to learn to speak Welsh and it’s so easy to do so at Welsh for Adults Centres.”

Rachel Heath-Davies, Director of the Welsh Assembly Government-funded Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan Welsh for Adults Centre, said: “Ryan is a great example of how learning Welsh can really help boost your business. “There are so many benefits of speaking Welsh in the workplace, from reaching more customers, gaining better customer loyalty, improving the quality of your service and having a competitive advantage.”