Welsh Learner of the Year facts for kids
The Welsh Learner of the Year (Tlws Dysgwr y Flwyddyn) is a special award given out every year at a big festival called the National Eisteddfod of Wales. This award celebrates people who have worked hard to learn the Welsh language as adults. It's a way to show how much we appreciate their effort and dedication to speaking Welsh!
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What is the Welsh Learner of the Year Award?
The Welsh Learner of the Year award is a really important prize. It honors people who were not born speaking Welsh but have learned it later in life. These learners come from all over the world, showing that anyone can learn Welsh! The award helps to encourage more people to learn and use the language.
Why is Learning Welsh Important?
Learning Welsh helps keep the language alive and strong. It connects people to Welsh culture, history, and traditions. For many, learning Welsh opens up new friendships and opportunities. It's a fantastic way to feel more connected to Wales.
The National Eisteddfod of Wales
The National Eisteddfod of Wales is a huge festival that happens every summer. It's a celebration of Welsh culture, including music, poetry, and art. Thousands of people visit the Eisteddfod each year. It moves to a different part of Wales every time, making it a special event for many communities.
The Award Ceremony
The Welsh Learner of the Year award is one of the highlights of the Eisteddfod. The winner is announced during the festival, and it's a very proud moment for them. They receive a special trophy and are celebrated for their amazing achievement.
Past Winners of the Welsh Learner of the Year Award
Here is a list of the people who have won this special award over the years. Each winner has a unique story about their journey learning Welsh.
- 1983 - Shirley Flower, Clwyd
- 1986 - Alan Whittick, Powys
- 1988 - Jenny Pye, Llanbedrgoch, Anglesey
- 1989 - Stel Farrar, Mynydd Llandegai, Gwynedd
- 1990 - Parchg John Gillibrand, Carmarthenshire
- 1991 - Jo Knell, Cardiff
- 1992 - Sandy Rolls, Penderyn, Rhondda Cynon Taf
- 1993 - Janet Charton, Betws y Coed, Conwy
- 1994 - Sarah Williams, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire
- 1995 - Paul Attridge, Wrexham
- 1996 - Mark Aizelwood, Newport
- 1997 - Paul Elliott, Newport
- 1998 - Stephen Wilshaw, Cardiff
- 1999 - Alison Layland, Oswestry
- 2000 - Sandra de Pol, Argentina
- 2001 - Spencer Harris, Wrexham
- 2002 - Alice Traille James, Crymych, Pembrokeshire
- 2003 - Mike Hughes, Carno, Powys
- 2004 - Lois Arnold, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire
- 2005 - Sue Massey, Penmaenmawr, Conwy
- 2006 - Stuart Imm, Cwmbran, Torfaen
- 2007 - Julie MacMillan, Rhondda
- 2008 - Madison Tazu, Cardiff
- 2009 - Meggan Lloyd Prys, Rhiwlas, Bangor, Gwynedd
- 2010 - Julia Hawkins, Crickhowell
- 2011 - Kay Holder, Vale of Glamorgan
- 2012 - Isaias Grandis, Trevelin, Patagonia, Argentina
- 2013 - Martyn Croydon, Llŷn, Gwynedd
- 2014 - Joella Price, Cardiff
- 2015 - Gari Bevan, Merthyr Tydfil
- 2016 - Hannah Roberts, Brynmawr, Blaenau Gwent
- 2017 - Emma Chappell, Deiniolen, Gwynedd
- 2018 - Matt Spry, Cardiff
- 2019 - Fiona Collins, Carrog, Denbighshire
- 2020 - Jazz Langdon, Narberth, Pembrokeshire
- 2021 - David Thomas, Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire
- 2022 - Joe Healy, Cardiff
