In our #BabyStepsIntoWelsh podcast series Nia Parry has been talking with families about their anxieties, questions and experiences of Welsh-medium education. You can listen to and follow the series here: www.podfollow.com/babysteps.
One lady who’s certain that she has followed the right educational path for her son is broadcaster Lucy Owen, presenter of news show Wales Today. Lucy and her husband, Rhodri Owen, a television presenter and broadcaster on Heno gave their son Gabriel (Gabs, now aged 13) an education through the medium of Welsh. Nia spoke to Lucy to understand the steps and the thorough research which led to them to deciding on Welsh medium education!
“I originally come from Dinas Powys, I’m a Cardiff girl! Back in the 70s Welsh was not promoted in school. I had a choice between continuing to learn Welsh or learning German. There was no emphasis at all on learning Welsh, so I was drawn to German.” Lucy Owen
Things changed for Lucy once she became engaged to Rhodri. He was passionate about learning the language and had got off to a good start, having previously met Nia Parry on the Iaith ar Daith TV show ten years previously! She studied Welsh for 2 hours a day, but it was too much for her.
“I lost my way a little after that. I would love it had I been raised today, where there’s a strong emphasis on learning and speaking the language. I was determined that Gabs would have an opportunity to learn the language and that it would be part of his everyday life.” Lucy Owen
Gabriel’s journey began when he was two and a half when he attended his local Cylch Meithrin. He progressed on to a Welsh-medium primary school. Things became more complicated as the journalist did some thorough research into the benefits of Welsh-medium education!
“I did a documentary about the benefits of Welsh-medium education and I took it seriously. One of the things that persuaded me was a neurologist explaining that learning through the medium of Welsh was beneficial as Gabs had to translate the work for me, and then back into Welsh after discussing it with me. This process helped his understanding. I’d never thought of it like this. Amazing!”
Gabriel himself is enthusiastic about continuing in Welsh-medium education, choosing to get up earlier to catch the bus to the Welsh school, even though the English school is closer! Lucy is glad that he also continues to be friends with some of the children from the Cylch Meithrin!
“If Gabs stays in Wales, the ability to speak Welsh will be of immense benefit to him, and will increase his chances of getting a good job. Gabs 120% wanted to continue with his education in Welsh, and as parents we are very supportive of this”. Lucy Owen
You can listen to the full conversation here: www.podfollow.com/babysteps. Remember to share with other families who are trying to decide which path they want their children’s education to follow.
