Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol is proud to announce the names of 22 new ambassadors from secondary schools and sixth form colleges across Wales. Their main role will be to raise their peers’ awareness of the benefits of Welsh-medium education beyond school, and encourage them to continue studying through the medium of Welsh at university.
The ambassadors will begin their work with the Coleg this month.
Among the new recruits, Manon Kiff, a Welsh descendant who moved from Wales to Patagonia in the 19th century is looking forward to promoting the benefits of multilingualism in becoming an ambassador. Manon who is currently studying A-levels Spanish, French, Biology and Chemistry at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Edern, Cardiff, said:
Manon Kiff, Ysgol Bro EdernEnglish is my third language after Spanish and Welsh. I'm passionate about Wales’ multicultural history and how it ties us all together. I am very grateful to my parents that I have received a Welsh medium education at school and I intend to study Medicine through the medium of Welsh at university next year in order to become a doctor in the future.
Gwilym and Joseph Morgan, twin brothers from Bishop Llandaff High School, a predominantly English-medium teaching school, have learnt Welsh and are delighted to represent new Welsh speakers as ambassadors of the Coleg Cymraeg.
Gwilym, who has also won the Learners' Medal at this year's Urdd Eisteddfod, said:
Gwilym Morgan, Bishop of Llandaff High SchoolAs an ambassador I look forward to helping others who have learnt the language to demonstrate the opportunities and support available to them when studying through the medium of Welsh. I will be applying to study Welsh and French at Cardiff University shortly, hoping to become a Welsh teacher in the future.
Mari Williams, who is studying A Levels at Ysgol Maes Garmon in Mold has been inspired to use Welsh socially after attending Welsh gigs. She said:
Mari Williams, Ysgol Maes GarmonAs I live close to the English border, I love encouraging people in my area to use Welsh. I feel the need to advertise that Welsh is a progressive language for young people beyond school. I am therefore looking forward to attracting my peers to continue studying through the medium of Welsh in creative ways.
Since the launch of the School Ambassador scheme in 2020, the Coleg has appointed over 70 school ambassadors. As well as the their work attracting young people to continue studying through the medium of Welsh at university, the scheme also offers the ambassadors many opportunities.
Efa Maher, who was an ambassador for the Coleg last year at Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed in Newport, had "amazing" experiences.
She said:
"I had amazing opportunities whilst being an ambassador for the Coleg Cymraeg school last year. Some of the highlights were presenting artists on stage at the Triban Festival at the Urdd Eisteddfod, and interviewing some of the big stars including Dafydd Iwan and Tara Bandito! The experience definitely developed my confidence and the skill to think on my feet"
Elin Williams, Marketing Manager at Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol, said:
"The school ambassador scheme is going from strength to strength with a number of schools contacting us with great enthusiasm to be part of the scheme. It is great that we are now making contact with a school such as Bishop Llandaff High School and can include individuals who have learnt the language such as Gwilym and Joseph as part of the scheme. We are looking forward to working with the crew and sincerely hope that they will be able to inspire their peers at the school to continue their education through the medium of Welsh."
School ambassadors 2023-24:
- Gwilym Morgan, Bishop Llandaff High School
- Joseph Morgan, Bishop Llandaff High School
- Hollie Brown, Rhydywaun Comprehensive School
- Mari Wilkins, Rhydywaun Comprehensive School
- Freya Jenkins, Rhymney Valley Comprehensive School
- Gabriel Marcico, Rhymney Valley Comprehensive School
- Greta Williams, Ysgol Garth Olwg
- Mali Williams, Ysgol Garth Olwg
- Manon Kiff, Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Edern
- Ffion Monaghan, Cardigan High School
- Siwan Mair Jones, Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin
- Bardsey Fflur James, Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin
- Betsan Gwawr Lewis, Maes y Gwendraeth Comprehensive School
- Steffan Thomas, Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bryn Tawe
- Ella Thomas, Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bryn Tawe
- Megan Mai Keyye, Amman Valley School
- Mabli Grug Hampson, Garmon Field School
- Mari Williams, Maes Garmon School
- Tesni Evans, Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy
- Elliw Mair Huws, Bodedern High School
- Mai Owen, Bodedern High School
- Elin Jen Griffith, Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle.
To find out more about the ambassadors and to follow the scheme during the year visit the Coleg Cymraeg social media websites.
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