ColegauCymru has warmly congratulated Efa Gruffydd Jones on her appointment as Welsh Language Commissioner.
The role of the Welsh Language Commissioner is critical, and hugely valued by Wales’ further education colleges. The tireless and dedicated work of Aled Roberts, who in a short time made a profound and passionate contribution to his community, to Wales and the Welsh language, has laid strong foundations from which to continue building. The FE sector greatly valued the relationship we had with Mr Roberts and were deeply saddened by his passing. We look forward to working with Ms Gruffudd Jones and the wealth of experience she brings to her new role as we look to continue to promote the use of the Welsh language across all colleges to benefit learners, staff and our communities.
This is an exciting time to work with the FE sector. There is a growing network of staff who support the development of Welsh medium and bilingual provision across our colleges, and we are eager to work together to ensure that there is continued growth in Welsh medium and bilingual education, and to progress opportunities for learners to study through the medium of Welsh - whatever their chosen career pathway. Supported by the National Centre for Learning Welsh, ColegauCymru has co-ordinated the Cymraeg Gwaith project for the FE sector, in collaboration with Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol. Since its inception in 2017 which saw 185 members of staff take part, year after year the Scheme has consistently reached its goal of providing an opportunity to improve Welsh skills. In April 2022, Cymraeg Gwaith entered its sixth year with 485 practitioners registered to take part, a fantastic achievement.
ColegauCymru Chief Executive David Hagendyk said,
“This is an exciting time for the sector. There is a growing network of bilingual staff who support the development of Welsh medium and bilingual provision across the colleges and we are eager to work together to ensure continued growth and to progress opportunities for learners to study through the medium of Welsh - whatever their chosen career path.
We wish Ms Gruffudd Jones every success in her new role.”
ColegauCymru looks forward to continuing the positive working relationship that the FE sector has developed with the office of the Commissioner in recent years. We are committed to working closely to ensure that the language is championed in all we do, particularly in our endeavours to continue to support the Welsh Government ambitious goal of one million Welsh speakers by 2050.
Efa Gruffydd Jones will commence the role on 9 January 2023.
Further Information
Lucy Hopkins, Communications Manager
Lucy.Hopkins@ColegauCymru.ac.uk
