COLEG CAMBRIA language tutors are leading the way in Wales.
The college picked up first and second place in the Work Welsh Tutor of the Year category at the Work Welsh 2020 Awards, organised by the National Centre for Learning Welsh.
The ceremony itself was cancelled because of the Coronavirus pandemic, so organisers used a video link to announce Cambria’s Faith Owen as Work Welsh Tutor of the Year and colleague Non Lewis-Edwards the runner up.
Based at Camu, the Work Welsh Language Hub on the college’s Yale site, they were praised for their engaging and committed support of students.
Faith, from Wrexham, teaches intensive courses to staff from organisations including HMRC, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Church in Wales.
She was nominated for being an “energetic, enthusiastic and passionate tutor who ensures that lessons are enjoyable, and that learning Welsh is a pleasure”.
Faith was also lauded for tailoring content to meet the needs of the Church in Wales cohort, one of which went on to conduct a wedding ceremony through the medium of Welsh.
Faith said: “My group from the Diocese of St Asaph was a large part of me winning so this is lovely – it’s the learners’ award, this is for them.
“I enjoy hearing their stories about taking services such as weddings and christenings and reading the Bible in Welsh, it makes me proud.
“I am shocked to receive this award, but very happy. The college is a great champion of the Welsh language so this is huge honour.”
Non was selected for her efforts as part of two Work Welsh projects in north east Wales; as a tutor on the Camau (for the early years education and care sector) and Gofal (social care) schemes.
Described as “wonderfully supportive” by the students, Non, from Cerrigydrudion, said: “It was a big surprise to be runner-up because I don’t think I’m doing anything over and above, but I am very proud to have been nominated.
“We have a brilliant group of Welsh language tutors delivering classes at Cambria, so this is shared with all of them.”
Both Non and Faith continue to deliver lessons through video conferencing and by sharing resources and information online.
“Teaching from home has been fun,” said Faith.
“It can be challenging but the learners have engaged with it, embracing new skills and working with technology.”
Llinos Roberts, Head of Corporate Communications, Welsh Language and International at Coleg Cambria, added: “Well done to both Non and Faith, they are a credit to the college and it’s no surprise to see them receive nominations.
“We have a brilliant team of tutors based across north east Wales and will continue to do all we can to champion and celebrate the Welsh language in the workplace, supporting organisations across the region.”
Coleg Cambria, in partnership with Popeth Cymraeg, delivers Welsh-language courses in Wrexham, Flintshire and Denbighshire on behalf of the National Centre for Learning Welsh.
Community-based courses, which started last September and in January this year, have continued, with Welsh tutors now using remote conferencing platforms such as Zoom and Skype to teach their students. New distance learning taster courses are also available.
To enrol on Welsh courses in north east Wales, visit www.learnwelsh.cymru
Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for more on Coleg Cambria.