Anglesey teacher developing Welsh language 8,000 miles away

Originally from Lannerch-y-medd in Anglesey, Beth is there through the British Council’s Welsh Language Project, and for the last few months has been teaching at the Ysgol y Cwm School in Trevelin, in the Chubut province.

Set up in 1997, the programme aims to help promote and develop the Welsh language across the region – which currently has more than 6,000 Welsh speakers.

Every year, the British Council sends three language development officers to develop the language in the Welsh speaking communities through both formal teaching and informal social activities.

The language evolved in Argentina more than 150 years ago, when a group of Welsh pioneers travelled across the Atlantic Ocean, creating a permanent settlement in the Chubut Valley in 1865.

Now, there are around 50,000 Patagonians of Welsh descent.

Beth is currently on secondment from Citizens Advice, where she works as a Welsh Language Officer and also Learn Welsh, where she is a Welsh tutor for adults.

Beth participating in the Can Actol in Eisteddfod Del Chubut. (Image: Newsquest)

Her new school in the Andes is home to more than 85 children aged three to 12.

Speaking about the programme, she said: “My career so far has been focused on the Welsh Language and its promotion, so I was keen to take on a new challenge, and The Welsh Language Project was an exciting opportunity - a dream come true!

“I wanted to be part of the increase in Welsh speakers - and to see the programmes vision become a reality, as well as inspire young and old generations.

“The main difference between teaching here is the shortage of equipment, teaching aids and technology.

“My lack of Spanish is also a big challenge; however, this does mean that the children have to make more of an effort to speak Welsh with me which means that their Welsh communication skills are strengthened.

One of the highlights of her stay has been the Patagonian Eisteddfod, which she says was ‘very different’ to the Urdd celebration in North Wales.

Beth celebrating the Eisteddfod in Patagonia. (Image: Newsquest)

“It’s been amazing to celebrate the Eisteddfod in Patagonia,” said Beth.

“Eisteddfod yr ifanc was very different to Eisteddfod yr Urdd - It’s a lot more formal here. Eisteddfod del Chubut was an amazing experience - they are definitely better singers here in the Wladfa! It’s very hard to put into words what it was like - it was just this feeling of proudness and respect.

“I’m looking forward to returning to Wales and visiting local schools and societies to show them the amazing work they do here in the Andes. I am also now more aware of the Welsh Society and School needs here and can advocate for them.

“I’ve taken advantage of every opportunity here and can say that it’s been a true pleasure to be part of the programme this year.”

The British Council is now offering three more teachers the opportunity to promote the language in Patagonia from March to December in 2023.

MORE: Eco champions spearhead net zero campaign in North Wales

Speaking about the programme Rebecca Gould, Acting Director, British Council Wales.  said: “The work of the Welsh Language Project ensures that there is a long-term future for the Welsh language in Patagonia.

“We would encourage anyone with a passion for teaching Welsh to apply, as not only does the programme continue to strengthen the relationship between Wales and Patagonia, but it provides life-changing opportunities for those who participate in it.”

The closing date for applications for the 2023 posts is Friday, 30 December 2022. To find out more information and to apply, visit: https://wales.britishcouncil.org/en/programmes/education/welsh-language-project.