Glyndwr lecturer and daughter championing Welsh language in Wrexham

A Wrexham Glyndŵr University lecturer is proud that her daughter has joined her in helping to help the Welsh language thrive.

Elen Mai Nefydd is the Welsh Language Champion at Glyndŵr while her eight-year-old daughter Gwen is one of a team of pupils who promote the language at Ysgol Plas Coch in Wrexham.

Elen Mai, Programme Leader for Theatre, TV and Performance at Glyndŵr, said: “It’s an exciting time for the Welsh language, and interest in the language has increased, especially in this area. More and more people have an interest in using the language in the workplace and by word of mouth and therefore the role of a language champion in a school or University is vital to co-ordinating this energy.

“Both adults and youngsters can have an important part to play in acting as ambassadors for the language and helping increase people’s confidence when speaking Welsh from day to day.

“I’m very proud that we’re both, in our own way, doing the same thing.”

Ysgol Plas Coch headteacher, Osian M Jones said that Gwen and her fellow champions work closely with staff to help the school fulfil its Welsh Language Charter targets.

“Among other duties, Gwen and her fellow pupils will discuss ideas, activities and events to promote the language and culture with pupils, for example Welsh Language Music Day, and encourage all pupils to speak Welsh in the school, on the yard and on visits and trips”, he added.

They will also have the chance at the end of the year to report to the governors on the year’s work.

Wrexham Glyndŵr University welcomes correspondence in Welsh and anything from our prospectuses, emails and letters to marketing materials and applying for jobs can be done in Welsh.The university also recently launched an internal initiative for our staff and students – Coffi a Chlonc – which encourages people with any level of Welsh language skills – from complete novice to fluent – to come along for a coffee and practice their Welsh language skills.