On Thursday 19 June in a special celebration at Canolfan S4C Yr Egin, 13 award winners were announced for students, apprentices and staff from the higher education, further education, apprenticeships and schools sector who have made a significant contribution to Welsh-medium and bilingual education.
The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the first-ever winners of the Inspiring Others Award. Aminata Jeng from Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd and Jacob Simmonds from Ysgol Gymraeg Gwynllyw won the award for their work influencing and inspiring their fellow pupils to use Welsh. Aminata was rewarded for her outstanding work in the field of equality and the Welsh language. Amie said:
"As a member of my school's Equality Committee and as a school ambassador for the Coleg Cymraeg, I take pride in my Welshness and take every opportunity to challenge the stereotypes associated with the language. I often voice opinions and propose new ideas in order to increase equality within the school and in the local area through the medium of Welsh. This award means so much to me because it's a testament that anything is possible if you stick to it and don't give up on what's important to you."
Jacob Simmonds was rewarded for his leading work in promoting the Welsh language among his peers and younger learners at the school, as well as young people with educational and social needs. Jacob said:
"To win this award is a huge honour. The recognition has given me a boost to continue using and promoting the Welsh language. In the future, I hope to work as an Additional Learning Needs Teacher to ensure that all pupils have equal opportunities to learn and use Welsh."
Luca McAlpine, who is studying Creative Media at Coleg y Cymoedd, was the winner of the William Salesbury Further Education and Apprenticeship Award. The award recognises a learner's or apprentice's contribution to Welsh life and culture within a further education college or apprenticeship provider. Luca was rewarded for his innovative efforts in integrating the Welsh language into various aspects of college life, particularly the LGBTQ+ community.
Luca said:
"It means the world to me that I've won this award. It makes me feel like I've made a difference within the community. I will continue to promote and use the Welsh language through volunteering and in my Art work at Coleg y Cymoedd."
The winner of the Outstanding Contribution to Higher Education Award was Professor Mirjam Plantinga from Prifysgol Cymru y Drindod Dewi Sant. Mirjam, who is originally from the Netherlands and has taught Welsh, works as a Pro Vice-Chancellor with responsibility for academic experiences at the university. She said:
"I hope that our community of students and colleagues will benefit from my award and that we will continue together to develop the Welsh language experiences for our students. Personally, I will continue to learn Welsh, and will continue to increase Welsh-medium provision at the university and support others to use the language."
A full list of winners can be found at the bottom of this release.
Some of the well-known presenters of the evening were Miriam Isaac, Rhodri Gomer, and Elen Wyn, who put the Welsh language on the map in the last series of the Traitors.
Launch of the Coleg's new podcast, Beth yw’r Ots?
Also, during the ceremony, the Coleg's new podcast, Beth yw’r Ots? which is led by young people and presented by comedian, Mel Owen. The series covers all sorts of topics relating to studying or training through the medium of Welsh – from moving from school to university or going to further education college, to starting a career.
Mel said:
"It's been fun working with the Coleg and having the amazing opportunity to have interesting conversations with young people who are so enthusiastic about speaking and using Welsh.
"Hearing about their experiences, concerns, opinions and passion for the Welsh language was inspiring and I'm sure the podcast will appeal to the Coleg audience."
You can visit the Coleg's website to listen to the podcasts.
Dr Ioan Matthews, Chief Executive of the Coleg Cymraeg said:
"All of tonight's winners deserve praise and recognition for their work and contribution towards Welsh and bilingual education in the higher education, further education, apprenticeships and schools sector. They raise the profile and status of the Welsh language in their institutions and hold them to the highest standards. We thank them for their work and wish them every success in the future."
The event can be watched back on the Coleg's You Tube channel.