Hyrwyddo'r Gymraeg

Cardiff University students have been recruited as ambassadors by the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol with the aim of encouraging more prospective students to study part of their degree courses through Welsh.

The ambassadors, located at seven universities across Wales including Cardiff University, will start this month and be responsible for completing various tasks throughout the year.

Among the new crop of Ambassadors is Lleu Bleddyn, a first year BA Welsh and Journalism student from Llanbrynmair and a former pupil of Ysgol Bro Hyddgen.

The main role of the ambassadors will be to persuade school pupils to follow part of their university studies through Welsh and present the advantages of studying through the language.

They will represent the Coleg Cymraeg at school visits, UCAS fairs and Eisteddfodau as well as record their experiences in a brand new blog.

The blog ‘Llais y Llysgennad’ will give a snapshot of their lives through pictures and videos.

Lleu said it was natural to choose to study through the medium of Welsh: “As all of my education had been through the medium of Welsh it was a natural step to go on and study through my mother tongue at University. Not only is being a Welsh speaker recognised as a valuable skill but it also can open doors to a number of opportunities.”

He added: “The quality of the Welsh provision available for my course is fantastic and the support of the lecturers from the School of Welsh and the School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies is incredible. Sharing lectures with Welsh speakers makes me feel comfortable and prepares me for the future Welsh workplace, and beyond.”

The ambassadors will also have to familiarise themselves with the Coleg Cymraeg Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme and speak about the opportunities that studying through the medium of Welsh provides.

The Coleg Cymraeg blog can be found here.