Nominations are opened today (Thursday 10 December) for two brand new awards by Ymddiriedolaeth William Salesbury administered by the Coleg Cymraeg for a learner in the further education and apprenticeships sector and a medical research student.
The William Salesbury Further Education and Apprenticeship Award, worth £200, is to be awarded to a learner or apprentice who is a current member of the Coleg who has made a contribution to Welsh language life and culture within a further education college or apprenticeship provider.
The William Salesbury Medical Award, also worth £200, recognises the innovation of a research project delivered through the medium of Welsh, and/or a contribution to current extra-curricular activities through the medium of Welsh within the field of Medicine.
Ymddiriedolaeth William Salesbury was established in 2011 by a number of the Coleg Cymraeg's friends led by the late Dr Meredydd Evans. The trust is inspired by the life and work of Salesbury, the sixteenth-century scholar whose interests encompassed science, theology, law, language and literature, and who encouraged us to 'insist on education in your language'.
The Trust Chair, Ann Beynon, said: “It is our privilege as a trust to work towards fulfilling Merêd's dream and carry out Salesbury's vision by supporting our Coleg Cymraeg. I would like to thank the Coleg for its willing co-operation as well as all our supporters across Wales and beyond who generously contributed to our funds enabling us to make a practical and relevant contribution to this important mission.”
Dr Ioan Matthews, Chief Executive of the Coleg Cymraeg, said: “We are delighted to be working with the trust to offer these new awards this year and we are very grateful to them for their support for the Coleg's work. There is so much excellent work going on in our further education colleges, within the apprenticeship providers and in the universities to maintain and encourage Welsh language life and culture, and it is important that we have an opportunity to reward those who commit themselves to this work. This is the first time we have offered awards in these categories, and I'm hopeful and confident that we will receive a very positive response to the call for nominations.”
Nominations for the Further Education and Apprenticeship Award and the Medical Award can be submitted using the nominations form on the Coleg's website. The deadline for nominating a student for the Medical Award is 12 noon on Monday 11 January 2021, and the deadline for nominating a learner for the Further Education and Apprenticeship Award is 12 noon on Monday 22 March 2021.