The Welsh Language Project

In Chubut

Annual Report 2014

Gareth Kiff, LL.B. B.Ed.

Academic Monitor

Principal Tutor

Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan Welsh for

Adults Centre

School of Welsh

Cardiff University

1

CONTENT

1) Overview Page2-3

2) Targets for 2014 Page 3

3) Key Successes Page 4-5

4) Impact of the Scheme /Statistics and Figures Page 6-11

5) Developments in Primary Education Page 12-15

6) Menter Patagonia Page 16-26

7) Case Studies Page 27-33

8) Progress Report on Recommendations 2013 Page 34-36

9) Recommendations for 2014 Page 36-37

2

OVERVIEW

Since 1997, the Welsh Language Project (WLP) has been promoting and developing the

Welsh language in the province of Chubut, Patagonia, Argentina. Every year three Welsh

Language Development officers spend a period of time between March and December

teaching in Patagonia. They seek to develop the language in Welsh speaking communities

via formal lessons and informal social activities.

A permanent Learning Co-ordinator from Wales is also located in Patagonia. They are

responsible for the quality of the teaching.

Another aspect of the project is the network of Welsh speaking tutors based in the region.

By visiting Wales, attending Welsh courses and participating in visiting schools for

observation purposes, we help to maintain teaching standards and up to date

methodologies implemented in Patagonia.

The Scheme is managed by the Welsh Language Committee which includes members of

the Welsh Government, Cymdeithas Cymru-Ariannin (The Wales-Argentina Society)

Menter Patagonia, and the Welsh for Adults Centre, School of Welsh at Cardiff University.

The project which includes corresponding visits, teaching and training has won recognition

and success internationally.

Method and syllabus

We work in three catchment areas: the Andes, Gaiman and Trelew. We offer a wide variety of

courses, from beginner level to refresher courses for fluent Welsh speakers. We hold these

courses in the nursery, primary, secondary and adult sectors.

The Welsh Development Officers teach a range of courses including Wlpan, Intermediate,

Advanced and Proficiency levels. The courses used are ones written by Tutors in the Welsh for

Adults Centre, Cardiff University and adapted for Spanish and Welsh contexts

Finance

This project which is part of the International Educational Programme is funded by the

Welsh Government, the Wales-Argentina Society and British Council Wales. Although the

government of Chubut have not provided direct funding, it has financially supported the

work of teaching Welsh and the wider Welsh community.

3

History

2015 will mark the 150th anniversary of the first Welsh settlers arriving in Patagonia.

Tradition, history and language unite Wales and Patagonia. The first permanent settlers

arrived in Chubut and the neighbouring areas on the 27th of July 1865. 153 settlers from

Wales came across on the Mimosa.

At the beginning of the 21st century around 50,000 of the population of Patagonia are of

Welsh origin.

TARGETS FOR 2014

1) To send 3 Development Officers to teach and organise language socialisation

activities under the auspices of Menter Patagonia. In the Dyffryn (Valley) the

intention was to recruit one tutor who would specialise in developing nursery and

primary education in Gaiman.

2) Employ one Teaching Co-ordinator in Patagonia.

3) 950 learners receiving Welsh lessons.

4) 4 persons from Patagonia to receive language training on an intense summer

Welsh course in the Welsh for Adults Centre, The School of Welsh at Cardiff

University. See Point 3– Key Successes.

5) Establish 2 partnerships via Connecting Classrooms

4

KEY SUCCESSES

1) 3 officers were sent to Patagonia. One to the Andes area who spent 50% of her

time teaching and 50% carrying out Menter Patagonia work. 2 persons went to

the Dyffryn (the Valley), one to concentrate 100% on teaching (primarily nursery

and primary schoolchildren) and the other spending 50% of the time teaching

and 50% of the time on organising Menter Patagonia activities.

2) A total of 1174 attending Welsh courses. (The total in 2013 was 985) – this is the

highest number in the history of the Project in every category.

This represents a 19% increase this year and a 39% increase since the beginning of

the 3 year cycle (2012-2014). (There were 846 in 2011).

3) Welsh for Adults classes have attracted the second highest number in the history

of the Project i.e. 268 people compared to 279 in 1997, which was the first year

of the Project. There was an increase of 54% this year and an increase of 135%

since the beginning of the current 3 year cycle.

4) An increase in the number of classes – 90 compared to 83 in 2013 and 79 in 2012.

This was the highest number in the history of the Project.

5) 2 teachers came to Wales to attend the summer school at the Welsh for Adults

Centre at Cardiff University (Advanced 2 course and a Proficiency Course) for a

period of 5 weeks. Lack of funding meant that it was not possible to offer

scholarships to 4 people.

6) Connecting Classrooms – currently there are two schemes which are being

worked on namely Gaiman Nursery School and Aberystwyth Welsh School; Coleg

Camwy and Llanishen High School, Cardiff and during the year a partnership was

established between Ysgol yr Hendre in Trelew and Pentreuchaf School.

7) A number of specific courses were held e.g. the Tourist Offices in Gaiman, Esquel

and Trevelin, Trelew Arts Museum, Tea Houses in Trevelin and sessions for

tourist guides in Trelew.

8) Milestones in the development of primary education in the Dyffryn and in the

Andes.

See Pages 12-15.

5

9) 13 adults passed the WJEC Welsh for Adults examinations at Entry, Foundation

and Intermediate level. See the results on pages 10-11.

10) The Urdd Visit. See Page 26

11) A visit by Members of Parliament at Westminster (the Welsh Affairs Select

Committee) See Page 30.

12) A new scheme was launched by Cardiff University’s School of Welsh whereby

scholarships with the generous sponsorship of the Bank of Santander are

awarded to two students to volunteer in Patagonia. Angharad Lewis and Siwan

Jones were selected and they assisted with educational and language

socialisation ativities during their time in the Dyffryn. See their YouTube below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amGyCHKJNj8

6

IMPACT OF THE SCHEME

STATISTICS

1 Teaching Co-ordinator– Clare Vaughan

1 Administrative Coordinator – Luned Gonzalez

3 Teachers and Menter Patagonia Officers

Eluned Evans (The Andes) (50% Teaching and 50% Menter Patagonia)

Eluned Jones (Y Dyffryn) (100% Teaching)

Iwan Madog Jones (Y Dyffryn) (50% Teaching and 50% Menter Patagonia)

29 local teachers/tutors

Number of classes:

90 classes in 2014 (83 in 2013 and 79 in 2012)

The highest number in the history of the Project

Gaiman (including Dolavon)

39 (39)

Trelew (including Rawson, Puerto

Madryn and Comodoro Rivadavia)

27 (21)

The Andes

24 (23)

The Number of Learners: The highest number in the history of the Project

Gaiman Trelew The Andes TOTAL

2014 722 251 201 1174

2013 657 171 157 985

2012 607 145 225 977

2011 582 133 131 846

2010 527 85 150 762

2009 474 76 153 703

2008 378 97 112 587

7

Numbers in each age category within the various catchment areas: 2013 numbers in

brackets.

Meithrin /Nursery

Post Meithrin

Primary Children

Teens Adults Total

Gaiman

48 (61)

36 (33) 247 (193)

323 (300)

68 (70)

722 (657)

Trelew 14 (21) 10 (12) 113 (82) 0 (0) 114 (56) 251 (171)

The Andes 74 (21) 5 (0) 10 (74)

26 (14) 86 (48)

201 (157)

Total 136 (103) 51 (45) 370 (349) 349 (314) 268 (174) 1174 (985)

1174 is the highest total in the history of the Project.

This is an increase of 19% this year and an increase of 39% since the beginning of

the 3 year cycle (2012-2014). (846 in 2011).

There were 573 learners in 1997, therefore since that year there has been an

increase of 105% in numbers

There are more people in every age category.

There has been a significant increase (54%) within the adult sector since last year.

(For more details, see the grid ‘Numbers in relation to language levels – Adults).

A significant increase (252%) at Nursery / Meithrin level in the Andes and this

reflects the current efforts to establish a bilingual primary school there. There are

fewer primary schoolchildren (usually lessons in Spanish medium schools) because

local people are focussing their efforts on establishing a new bilingual school.

There was an increase in Gaiman and Trelew (in the Primary sector) mainly

because of the schools which offer Welsh as a second language. Therefore, it is

important to note although the figures for Gaiman are higher at that level they are

second language classes and of course that is the reason that plans exists to turn

Gaiman Nursery School / Ysgol Feithrin y Gaiman into a bilingual primary school

and to keep nursery schoolchildren within a bilingual system, which will produce

fluent speakers as is happening at Ysgol yr Hendre in Trelew.

8

Numbers in relation to language levels – Adults

Pre-Entry

Entry (Wlpan 1)

Foundation (Wlpan 2)

Intermediate (Further)

Advanced and Proficiency (Meistroli)

Proficiency (Gloywi)

Total

Gaiman 8 (11) 28 (18) 6 (15) 0 (0) 8 (6) 18 (20)

68 (70)

Trelew 32 (0) 50 (31) 15 (8) 0 (8) 2 (0)

15 (9)

114 (56)

The Andes

42 (6) 6 (12) 7 (6) 3 (8) 13 (9) 15 (7) 86 (48)

Total 82 (17)

84 (61) 28(29) 3 (16) 23 (15) 48 (36) 268 (174)

268 is the second highest figure in the history of the Project. It must be remembered that the highest figure ever was 279 during the first year of the Project in 1997 when adults were the main focus of the work and almost half of the total number of all learners (49%). At present adults are only 23% of all learners in Patagonia.

This year has seen an increase of 54%, an increase of 135% since the beginning of the current 3 year cycle.

2011 114

2012 137

2013 174

2014 268

Certainly, pre-entry courses e.g. taster and meet & greet courses have contributed to the increase but what is important now is that numbers are maintained and lead to many more learners studying at Entry level with the aim of ensuring that this trend continues in order to reinforce Foundation and Intermediate levels. Advanced and Proficiency levels have increased well and the fact that the number in the Dyffryn have remained at the same level as in Gaiman is encouraging (after a significant increase in the wake of appointing an expert in the field of Welsh for Adults in the previous year) and have increased significantly (104%) at every level except Intermediate level in Trelew. Across the Dyffryn there has been an increase of 44% since last year.

Las year the Andes committees were asked to draw up a scheme to restore numbers and the figures are testimony to the fact that they have acted in keeping with the recommendation with an increase of 79%. Again numbers are healthy at the beginning and at the end of the process and the challenge next year will be to build on the middle levels.

9

Hours per catchment areas

Gaiman (including Dolavon)

Trelew (including Rawson,

Madryn and Comodoro)

The Andes (Esquel and

Trevelin)

Total

Meithrin/Nursery 30 hours 45 min 17 hours 30 min 16 64 hours 15 min

Post meithrin 15 hours 45 min

17 hours 30 min 4 37 hours 15 min

Primary schoolchildren

12 hours 15 min

91 hours 20 min 7 110 hours 35 min

Teens 17 hours 50 min

0 4 21 hours 50 min)

Adults 15 hours 05 min

24

28 hours 30 min 67 hours 35 min

91 hours 40 min

150 hours 20 min

59 hours 30 min

301 hours 30 min

The total in 213 was 310 hours 40 minutes – a slight decrease this year but in comparison

with 245.16 in 2012 and 263 in 2011. It can be seen that the weekly hours have increased

significantly over a period of 4 years.

10

EXAMINATIONS: Welsh for Adults CBAC/WJEC

ENTRY examination results Centre - Y Wladfa 00007 2014

Name Listening 80

Oral 220

Reading 60

Writing 40

Total 400 (240 to pass)

Candidate 1 60 206 56 36 358 PASS

Candidate 2 46 142 28 20 236 FAIL

Candidate 3 55 94 22 10 181 FAIL

Candidate 4 48 132 38 14 232 FAIL

Candidate 5 43 111 34 12 200 FAIL

Candidate 6 64 163 34 29 290 PASS

Candidate 7 80 213 58 35 386 PASS

Candidate 8 80 216 56 26 378 PASS

Two candidates failed by a whisker and candidates 7 and 8 scored very highly.

FOUNDATION examination results Centre - Y Wladfa 00007 2014

Name Listening 80

Oral 200

Reading 60

Writing 60

Total 400 (240 – PASS 320 – Excellence)

Candidate 9 42 121 34 28 225 FAIL

Candidate 10 69 127 40 30 266 PASS

Candidate 11 79 183 54 46 362 Excellence

Candidate 12 62 153 44 32 291 PASS

Candidate 13 67 129 39 25 260 PASS

Candidate 14 74 166 48 32 320 Excellence

Candidate 15 68 165 49 46 328 Excellence

Candidate 16 51 150 42 37 280

11

PASS

Only one candidate failed and that by only 15 marks

INTERMEDIATE examination results Centre - Y Wladfa 00007 2014 Listening

60 Conversation Task 60

Oral 160

Reading 60

Writing 60

Total 400 (240 PASS 320 Excellence)

Candidate 17

49 54 147 57 52 359 Excellence

Candidate 18

20 50 143 44 47 304 PASS

Very good results and the marks for Candidate 17 were very high

Learning Co-ordinator’s Recommendations

1. To encourage learners who wish to sit examinations to attend a prior training session where it would be possible to practice examination skills not just linguistic skills.

2. To ensure students who wish to sit the examination to be prepared to cope with

the challenge, considering that many of them are younger than the adults sitting the same examination in Wales.

3. Greater attention should be paid to writing skills at Foundation and Intermediate level.

12

Jeremias Knobel, a student on the Wlpan 2 course at the Andes Welsh School in Esquel has

been awarded the Tom Gravell 2015 scholarship. He will be spending the Spring Term

studying at Llandovery College, Carmarthenshire.

GAIMAN WELSH SCHOOL

Last year the school was awarded formal status and it is now officially school number 1035.

This was a significant step forward in the long campaign to extend the present nursery

school to be a full bilingual primary school.

At present Ysgol Gymraeg y Gaiman Number 1035 educates children between one and a

half and five years of age.

Children are educated in three classes, Yellow, Green and Red, under the care of Celeste

Filipponi (1.5 and 2 years old), Angélica Evans (3 year olds) and Judith Jones (4 and 5 year

olds).

Each of these teachers has learnt Welsh and/or observed with the support of the Project.

Next year (2015) the school will receive children for the first time in Year 1. 10 children have

already enrolled.

So far (and more will be enrolling in February 2025) before the beginning of the academic

year in March here are the likely enrolment numbers figures for the school:

1.5 – 2 years of age (Ti a Fi) 17 children

3 year olds 13 children

4 year olds 12 children

5 year olds (Reception) 9 children

Year 1 10 children

Total 61 children

13

This year Eluned Jones was appointed as one of the Development Officers in the Dyffryn

with the aim of developing bilingual education there and especially in Gaiman. She has

many years of experience as a head teacher and has established Welsh primary units in

Wales.

Certainly, her contribution to the development of primary education is of paramount

importance. She collaborated closely with Ysgol yr Hendre (Trelew) and the Gaiman Ysgol

Feithrin to ensure that linguistic skills were developed through active learning across the

curriculum.

Opportunities were created to share ideas, to present examples of planning, sharing good

practice and developing linguistic strategies in natural situations. She worked closely with

the teachers at Ysgol Feithrin Gaiman in order to plan and create appropriate resources

where required.

One innovative scheme introduced this year was to ask Welsh speakers in Trelew to visit

Year 1 and year 2 pupils at Ysgol yr Hendre This was a great opportunity to establish a link

between the children and the adults and to provide a meaningful context to purposeful ‘real

life’ activities and afforded an opportunity to practice writing and oral skills through the

medium of Welsh as well as to create community partnerships and to raise awareness of

Welshness.

During the year Eluned Jones went to the Andes in order to observe and assist and during

2015 she will be working in that region concentrating on developing primary education

there.

14

For more information about the school, visit http://patagonia2015.com/cymysgolgymraeg.html or

join our group on Facebook- Ysgol Gymraeg Trevelin Cwm Hyfryd. We talk of a bilingual school but in

reality it will be a ‘multilingual’ school because the children will be offered at least two languages!

A Living Memorial 2015 – Cwm Hyfryd Multilingual School

2015 will be an important year for us on both sides of the Atlantic to show our pride in our culture when we will be celebrating the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the arrival of the first Welsh people in Patagonia and the establishment the Welsh Colony. A large number of events have been organised in Wales and Argentina to be enjoyed by many people but we here in the Andes are seeking to ensure that the language and culture is still flourishing in another fifty years and what better way to ensure this than by establishing a school which will teach children in two languages, Spanish, the language of Argentina and Welsh, the language of the first settlers in the Province?

The project has supported the work of local communities here in Chubut for 18 years by sending teachers and tutors over from Wales each year and thereby many local people have had the opportunity to learn, improve and polish their Welsh in local classes and on courses in Wales through scholarships from Wales. Some of them now are prepared to take over the leadership themselves and teach the next generation and to begin to realise a dream with the hope that a full time primary school would be recognised by the Government and would begin to grow in the year of the celebrations.

During 2014 more hours were offered to 3 and 4 year olds, the youngest children, and the response was very encouraging with 17 children attending on three afternoons a week. This was an opportunity for teachers to embark on a pilot scheme of including basic educational elements in addition to language and began to include movement sessions (physical exercise), Mathematics, Science, Humanities (History and Geography) as well as Health and Social Education. The pilot scheme sought to include the educational principles of both countries while respecting Argentinian laws and at the same time reflecting the best practices of Wales – a tall order but it has been a positive experience to see the parents’ reactions to another educational model for their children.

New members have joined the school’s original committee who have worked over the summer holidays (January and February here!) on the necessary papers and we are waiting for Government recognition before working full time on the project .

One of the most exciting things is after years of using Tŷ’r Capel – previously the chapel minister’s house –there is a project afoot to build new premises which will be home to the school and a venue for the social activities of Cwm Hyfryd. The Government has offered financial assistance and the Welsh Society has been generous in giving a site on their land and contributing to the project also by selling other parcels parts of land owned by them.

We sincerely hope that the building work will start in the near future but we must recognise that it will perhaps take another pilot year while waiting for an appropriate location for an official school which will grow with the children from year to year. We will begin with the youngest children and the hope is to see them finish their primary schooling in 2020! A truly long term project!

What better way to remember past efforts than seeking to build a foundation for the future?

Clare Vaughan - Teaching Co-ordinator

15

16

The objectives for Menter Patagonia were established in 2009 namely:

1. Substantive efforts must be made to normalise the use of the language in a cross section of social situations

– extending its social use.

2. The aim should be to organise a wide range of situations, events and activities whereby Welsh could be used - between 10 and 13 hours a week in every locations - between 20 and 26 hours a week of activities in Dyffryn Camwy and a corresponding total at the foot of the Andes. The following activities could be suggested. 3. Activities for nursery children and their parents, This could be an opportunity to raise parents’ interest in learning Welsh and to go to at least one session a week. 4. Activities for primary school children – games, crafts, painting and handicraft, games nature and the environment, folk dancing, singing/acting groups, Saturday morning playgroups, holiday groups, hobbies etc. (two age tiers in the twice a week meeting) 5. Activities for secondary school children – Urdd Youth Group meetings (Aelwyd), sports, outdoor pursuits, cultural activities, social activities (two sessions a week if possible). 6. Regular social activities for adults – quiz, fashion show, cooking, tasting different foods, discussion groups, conversation groups, different hobby groups, beginners’ computer lessons, walking groups, cycling, mountaineering, skiing, lunch clubs, variety evenings, lectures, folk dancing, picnic trips, film nights etc. 7. Working closely with local Welsh organisations in order to inspire people – namely: the eisteddfod, competition meetings, the chapels. 8. Seek to extend the visual use of Welsh locally – on the radio, in the museums etc.

The Project has funds to employ one person to organise Menter Patagonia activities.

Therefore in order to ensure that the 'Menter' has presence in both areas, in reality the two

areas have only half (0.5) a post.

Eluned Evans spent 50% of her time on the work of Menter Patagonia in the Andes and Iwan

Madog spent 50% of his time working on Menter activities in the Dyffryn.

17

Eluned Owena – Welsh Development Officer in Trevelin and Esquel, the Andes 2014

Event Date Numbers Comments

March Clwb Gwawr Supper

Esquel

Friday

Evening,

March 28th

3

April Thanksgiving Service

Seion Chapel followed

by tea

Sunday, April

6th

15

Thanksgiving Service

Bethel Chapel Trevelin

Sunday, April

13th

11

Easter Fun/Hwyl y Pasg,

Trevelin

Wednesday,

April 16th

23 and 4

teachers

Easter Egg Hunt and

various games

Gwawr Club Esquel Saturday

Evening ,

April 26ith

3 ‘Reflexology’

evening organised

by Liliana Melnik

May Assist in organising and

participating in the

Singing Festival

[Gymanfa Ganu] that

followed Trevelin

Eisteddfod

Sunday, May

4th

Hall half full

Siôn a Siân/Mr and Mrs

Trevelin

Friday

Evening, May

16th

20 Very successful

activity

Wlpan 2 revision

session Esquel

Saturday

Morning,

May 17th

4

An evening with Llŷr

Gwyn, Esquel

Friday

Evening, Mai

23th

18 Great to see a

number of people

from Trevelin

present

June Twmpath (Folk Dance)

in Esquel in the

company of Jessica

Jones from the Cwm

Hyfryd folk dancing

group

Friday

Evening,

June 6th

18 The majority present

were under 17 years

old!

Mock Eisteddfod

Trevelin

Thursday

Evening,

June 19th

11

Children’s service in

Bethel Chapel Trevelin

Sunday, June

22th

Trevelin – 31

Esquel – 12

The service was

followed by tea in

18

in the morning and an

afternoon service in

Seion Chapel followed

by tea

the Centre in Esquel

– an opportunity for

everyone to socialise

and converse in

Welsh

July (in Wales) During the weeks spent

in Wales, I continued

working – I published

an edition of ‘Llais yr

Andes’, I volunteered to

man the Andes stall at

the Royal Welsh Show

for two days, I attended

Gŵyl y Glaniad

(Anniversary)

celebrations in Bala, I

met Llandovery College

teachers in the National

Eisteddfod in Llanelli as

well as meeting the

leaders of the Urdd

Trip, I addressed a

session in the Wales-

Argentina Society’s

exhibition stand in the

Eisteddfod, I organised

a meeting with the

mayor of Cardigan and

also met the "@tebol"

company in

Aberystwyth.

August An evening to welcome

the 4 who had been to

Wales back to Esquel

Friday

Evening,

August 29th

30

September Service in Seion Chapel

Esquel with Wyn James

officiating

Sunday,

September

7th

14

October Coffee and

conversation, Trevelin

Saturday,

October 4th

3 It was a particularly

fine day and many

chose to go to the

lake instead!!

19

Diwrnod Shwmae/ Day

of Getting to Know You,

Trevelin

Wednesday,

October 15th

23 An afternoon of

activities with the

children

Urdd Concert , Young

Farmers and ,local

people, Seion Chapel

and Esquel Centre

Wednesday

evening,

October 29th

Full hall

Football game between

the Urdd gang and

Puerta del Sol School,

Trevelin

Friday,

October 31th

Over 50 The two anthems

were sung and

Argentinian and

Welsh flags were

exchanged and

signed at the end

Twmpath and clog

dancing with the group

Celtic Feet, Trevelin

Friday

Evening,

October 31th

Around 40

November Workshops in Esquel Saturday,

November

1st

Around 45 A Spanish lesson

with Liliana, learning

to make alfajores

(biscuits) with

Natalia and Sandra,

learning about the

tradition of drinking

mate (infused drink)

with Mike and

playing games with

the nursery children

under Marina's

leadership

Family service in Bethel

Chapel Trevelin with

the Urdd and Trevelin

Nursery schoolchildren

Sunday,

November

2nd

The chapel

was full

I organised the

service but those

taking part were

individuals who

were on the Urdd

Trip

Service in Bethel Chapel

Trevelin in the company

of Huw Edwards and

the BBC with a turkey

dinner to follow

Sunday,

November

23rd

The chapel

was full

Extremely successful

and a large number

stayed to enjoy the

Sunday lunch

(turkey , stuffing

gravy etc.) with us in

the vestry

20

December Service in Seion Chapel

Esquel with a Christmas

tea to follow in the

Centre

Sunday,

December 7th

Yet to be held

In addition I have accomplished the following:

Published three editions of ‘Llais yr Andes’.

Published the Andes schools’ Newsletter for the children of Wales and received

excellent response from schools in Wales. I had intended to publish more but I

assisted with @tebol with their new educational resource to connect the children of

Wales and the children of Patagonia and unfortunately time ran out.

Visited the elderly in the area (although this has been difficult during the last few

months with the Urdd Trip and Eisteddfodau).

Held a successful weekly Conversation Club in Trevelin. Rather than meeting in the

school, we met in the El Único cafe in town. 9 different people came to the club,

sometimes everyone was present, while at other times only 3 or 4. I have translated

the cafe’s menu.

Run a 'Ti a Fi' Club (mother & toddler group) in Trevelin. It was very successful at the

beginning with 10 attending but it has been quiet of late with two of the mothers

away with new-born babies – hopefully there will be more next year!

Held a Welsh in the Workplace course for the staff of the Tourist Centre in Trevelin

with Estela Jones. Similarly Soraya Williams in Esquel.

Ysgol Gymraeg

Trevelin’s end of year

ceremony in Bethel

Chapel (organised

jointly)

Friday

Evening,

November

28th

The chapel

was full

An opportunity for

the children and

staff to showcase

their talents and

receive certificates

Esquel Micro

Eisteddfod (organised

jointly)

Saturday

Evening,

November

29th

The Centre was

full

This is an end of

year activity and it

was an extremely

successful evening. I

was the adjudicator

21

Translated menus, Trevelin pamphlet, short video about Trevelin, signage and

documents/letters for people in the Community

Participated in Eisteddfod ceremonies and competing and compering Trevelin

Eisteddfod through the medium of Welsh

Assisted with the visit of Westminster Members of Parliament and Wyn James, Bill

Jones and Walter Brooks from Cardiff University.

Supported Stephanie Davies with her project ‘Hiraeth’.

Attended meetings of Bro Hyfryd Society/ Ysgol Gymraeg Trevelin/Celebrations

Committee and participating in special ceremonies.

Day of observation in Ysgol yr Hendre with Isaías Grandis.

Supported community events– Encuentro Céltica (assisting with the schools stall and

singing on stage with the Winter family), taking part in the Saint David’s supper in

Esquel, folk dancing with the Cwm Hyfryd group in the Expo Trevelin and a number

of other concerts, Tea in the Centre in Esquel, plays etc.

Co-ordinated the very successful 2014 Urdd Trip and prepared to welcome other

groups from Wales as well as individuals throughout the year.

Coached children and young people for reciting/dancing/literary competitions at the

Puerta del Sol and Trevelin Eisteddfodau.

Selected literary subjects and stage items for the 2015 Trevelin jointly with Llŷr Gwyn

and prepare the Welsh programme for the 2014 Puerta del Sol School Eisteddfod.

Soughht to encourage Esquel and Trevelin students and tutors to grasp every

possible opportunity, be it sitting examinations, writing an article for ‘Llais yr Andes’,

applying for a scholarship, applying to participate in Theatre Clwyd’s Mimosa project,

competing in Eisteddfodau, sending articles to magazines and newspapers such as

‘Lingo’ and the ‘Cymro’. I am pleased to report that a number of articles have

appeared in the Welsh Press, and that a number of young people have applied to be

a part of the Mimosa project, that three have passed their examinations and that

Jeremias Knobel has won the Tom Gravell scholarship (I have helped him with his

Visa). I have organised a visit to Llandovery College in January.

I spoke on Radio Cymru in order to raise the profile of the work here and I organised

that that the teenager class in Esquel took part in ‘Ar y Marc’ Radio Cymru, as well as

two tutors and two students from Trevelin.

22

Following an appeal I made on Radio Cymru, a large number of postcards were

received from individuals and schools in Wales (and are still arriving weekly with

some from Australia and the United States!). They have been a very valuable

resource giving the children and students great pleasure while learning more about

the villages and towns of Wales. A letter of thanks will be sent to all the schools (too

numerous to mention!) and all the postcards will be exhibits in a special exhibition in

Trevelin museum to be enjoyed by the wider community.

At the very beginning of this year, I opened a YouTube account – Menter Patagonia

yr Andes – and placed a number of videos on it. Without doubt, the most popular

video is ‘Hapus’ (Happy) which shows the children and students of Esquel and

Trevelin dancing happily!

Uploaded pictures to be placed on Menter Patagonia’s Facebook page including

every item of news. Sent news items regularly to Ceris Gruffudd, the secretary of

Cymdeithas Cymru-Ariannin (Wales Patagonia Society).

Ensured that Seion Chapel Esquel and Bethel Chapel Trevelin remain open by holding

monthly services (family services sometimes) with an opportunity to socialise over a

cup of tea and cake after the service.

Gwnewch y

pethau bychain

23

Menter Activities in the Dyffryn (Iwan Madog Jones) Caller at a Saint David’s Day folk dance /twmpath. Meet young Welsh speakers in La Plata in February and July. Agricultural Fair in Gaiman, advertise lessons and do activities with the children. Curry evening in Trelew and language games to practice Welsh. Saturday Conversation session. Trevelin Eisteddfod – folk dancing with the Ysgol Gerdd (Music School), and prepare the recitation group. Book Fair: Advertise lessons and share a stall with the Ysgol Feithrin. Word Evening with Llŷr Lewis in Gwalia Lân (Restaurant) Quiz Evening and bidding farewell to Gaiman. Trelew Mock Eisteddfod. Attended Camwy Eisteddfod. Coached a children's’ recitation group for the Bethel Micro Eisteddfod and compering in Welsh. Taking class to watch the Argentine football match in the World Cup. Assisted with an Ysgol Feithrin (Nursery School) Special day celebrating Gaiman’s anniversary. Supported the students from Cardiff University. Quiz and Soup Evening in Trelew. Helped children with their activities during the Youth Eisteddfod Prelims. Coached a childrens recitation group for the Youth Eisteddfod. Worked in the kiosk during the Youth Eisteddfod, therefore people had the opportunity when buying sweets there to use their Welsh in a natural situation. Helped to organise and advertise Professor Wyn James’ address (from The School of Welsh at Cardiff University) on the subject of 'Eluned Morgan'.

24

Organised a Welsh service in Bethel Chapel on the theme ‘hands’. Attended and took part in other services. An evening of ‘A Minute to Win’ in Gaiman Contributed to the 'Drafod' Community Newspaper. Attended weekly rehearsals of the 'Gwanwyn' folk dancers in Trelew. Attended choir rehearsals in Gaiman until the Winter Holidays. Helped to coach a recitation group for the Trelew Eisteddfod. Created and led an action song group for the Trelew Eisteddfod. Contacted any Welsh person who had requested information or support. Visits Time permitting, I have been conducting sessions at Coleg Camwy and at Bryn Gwyn. I believe that it is very important that pupils are afforded the opportunity to practise with a fluent Welsh speaker from Wales. Walking through Gaiman, many children greet me and practice their Welsh. During Rebeca Henry's time in Wales I taught Year 6 twice a week. We decided to hold a drama workshop in order to give a practical dimension to the language ac give them an opportunity to practise their Welsh in a different context. The Urdd Visit As in past years, I have organised activities for the young people on the Urdd visit with a full timetable of activities every day. This work involves a great deal of time. It gives one great pleasure to see children and young people looking forward to their visit throughout the year. Social Websites I have used a number of social websites to advertise and to inform people of events in the Dyffryn. I believe that it is important to utilise these because they are used increasingly, especially amongst the young people in Wales and here in Patagonia. The Language 'Menter' has accounts on twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Twitter account https://twitter.com/MenterPatagonia . It has 612 followers and 201 twitter from the account. Facebook account https://www.facebook.com/groups/115602435667/?fref=ts .Facebook is a more popular website here in Argentina than in Wales with more people of all ages using it. I have used it for advertising purposes and sharing photographs.

25

Instagram account http://www.oninstagram.com/profile/menterpatagonia . I opened an Instagram account this year and currently 75 pictures have been placed on it. Usually, I place 2-3 pictures of every event I organise and some pictures which would be of interest people. YouTube Account Menter Patagonia y Dyffryn https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcsD7DUWF1xiAVSJSkkcfsg/videos . A number of videos have been produced and two of these have been shown on the television programme ‘Heno’ on S4C and on Tag, a children’s programme during the World Cup. 'Heno' in particular has shown an interest in showing more videos of events in Patagonia and certainly this is something which should be developed especially during next year’s celebrations. WhatsApp I am in contact and converse daily in Welsh with a number of people here in the Dyffryn, in the Andes, La Plata and Buenos Aires. They then can practice their Welsh in a different way. Certainly, it is important the Welsh is used and is a presence in the technological world.

Trilingual signage in Trevelin

26

The Urdd Visit 2014

The Urdd trip is an annual event organised with the support of teachers/Welsh Menter

Patagonia officials under the leadership of the Teaching Co-ordinator. The visit took place

between 23/10/14 and 02/11/14 but before embarking on the enterprise all the young

people participating had to raise £2,400 each and every one reached his/her target.

25 Urdd members came to Patagonia in order to experience the culture of the Wladfa (the

Welsh Settlement) in addition to doing some voluntary work such as helping in nursery

schools, visiting the elderly Welsh speaking people of the area and of course meeting young

people and strengthening the connection and friendship between the two countries.

Here are some of the young people’s impressions and highlights of the visit

‘’Conversing in Welsh with the elderly in the area

‘Spending an unforgettable time with the Welsh community’

‘Meeting the older people, a truly incredible experience’

‘Remarkable views, fantastic food and the fun of the twmpath’

‘Magnificent scenery and speaking Welsh!’

27

CASE STUDIES

We are Trelew’s Welsh class. We meet every Tuesday in St David’s Centre in Trelew. The six of us enjoy socialising through the medium of Welsh because we have been brought up in Welsh households and are very proud of this. We read, converse and write, learning new vocabulary every week and at the same time having a great deal of fun and enjoyment. Anita and Angelica have visited Wales but we all regularly dream of going to visit our ancestor’s homeland. Learning about the history and geography of Wales in lessons gives us great pleasure. We must admit that we are very fortunate to be able to participate in Eisteddfodau and Singing Festivals which the Saint David’s Society in Trelew organise monthly. This year, at the beginning of Winter on July 21, we were invited by Year 2 children at Ysgol yr Hendre to join in their activities in the school. Our Welsh teacher, Eluned Jones, teaches in Hendre School on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings and so establishing a close relationship is very special because two of us have grandchildren at the school. Seeing the children speaking Welsh naturally through play, dance, singing and recitation was an excellent and remarkable experience. We are looking forward to our next visit in October when we will be going to see Year 1. The welcome we received was incredible and we are proud that the children are receiving a high standard of bilingual education where the emphasis is on good values. A Welsh Club is held at the school on Tuesday and Thursday evenings which affords a further opportunity for pupils to work completely through the medium of Welsh. Lessons for adults, teachers and parents are also held. It is great to note also the oldest children are showing an interest in the Adran yr Urdd (youth Group) as they prepare for their visit to Wales next year. We believe strongly that the Welsh Language Project in Patagonia has evidently given everyone an opportunity to use the Welsh language. We as Welsh Speakers since the beginning of the Project feel much more confident and are very keen to support the use of Welsh in the community. Thank you for being able to be a part of the Welsh Speakers Class in Trelew. Ana Richards, Anita Lewis, Angelica Rees, Rebecca Davies, Ena Hughes Williams a Maria Evans.

28

15 August 2014

Two recent events organised by The School of Welsh celebrated its significant contribution

to research and education in the Wladfa in Patagonia.

Rebeca White, a primary school teacher from Patagonia presented the University of Cardiff

with a gift on behalf of the Patagonia Saint David’s Welsh Society.

At present Rebeca is attending the Summer School at the Welsh for Adults Centre (which is

part of the School of Welsh) and is the co-ordinator of the committee which is responsible

for organising the 150th anniversary of the Wladfa in Patagonia celebrations in 2015.

A gift was presented in recognition of the work of the Centre as part of the project which

promotes the teaching of Welsh in the Chubut region and was accepted by Professor Hywel

Thomas, the Pro Vice –Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Enterprise on behalf of the

University.

The second event was the visit of the Governor of Chubut Province, Martin Buzzi to the University to promote the 150th anniversary of the Wladfa in Patagonia. A Memorandum of

29

Understanding was signed by Governor Buzzi and Professor George Boyne (Pro Vice-Chancellor, College of the Arts , Humanities and Social Sciences) pledging a lasting partnership and collaboration between the University of Cardiff and the Province of Chubut. The School’s Centre for Advanced Welsh American Studies has already contributed to the celebrations by organising an international convention to be held in Cardiff in July 2015. Also, under the auspices of the Santander Bank, currently, two undergraduates are in Patagonia for a month’s work experience teaching Welsh there and three members of the School’s staff will be travelling to Argentina in September to attend a conference at the University of Patagonia.

Professor Sioned Davies, Head of the School of Welsh said: “We are extremely proud of all

links between the School of Welsh and the 'Wladfa'. The Welsh colony is one of the main

research areas of the Centre for Advanced Welsh American Studies and the Santander Bank

sponsorship under its University’s Scheme, allows us to develop links with a number of

organisations in Argentina, especially the National University of Patagonia

"The first event celebrated the special connection between the Wladfa and our Welsh for

Adults Centre – the Centre works in partnership with the National Assembly and the British

Council, sending Welsh teachers out to Patagonia.

"It is also a pleasure to welcome students from Patagonia to our annual summer course.

Many students are fluent Welsh speakers by now and contribute to the linguistic revival in

the Chubut region and beyond.”

Photo Caption

1. (from left to right) Professor Hywel Thomas, Professor Sioned Davies, Rebeca White and

Gareth Kiff (Director of Teaching in the Cardiff Vale and Vale of Glamorgan Welsh for Adults

Centre School of Welsh). 2. Governor Buzzi and Professor George Boyne signing the

Memorandum of Understanding.

A VISIT BY WESTMINTER MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT (Welsh Affairs Select Committee)

30

There was great excitement in the area when we were visited by Members of Parliament from London recently. It is not unusual to have visitors form the mother country visit us but these were important! They are members of the Westminster Welsh Affairs Select Committee. Theirs was a trial visit preceding next year’s (2015) 150th anniversary celebrations. We were invited by The British Embassy in Buenos Aires to a reception in the Centre at Esquel, met and spoke to the visitors. David Davies was the leader of the group and after his short speech shook hands with Rafael Williams, the Mayor of Esquel, who thanked them for their visit. Cristin Jones spoke on behalf of Esquel and Trevelin Welsh Society and Clare translated the proceedings I had the privilege of speaking to Siân James from the Swansea area and learnt that we had both studied at the same university! She embarked on her political career campaigning during the miners’ strike in the 80’s. The next day they visited Bethel Chapel in Trevelin and observed the activities in Chapel House. There Jessica and Sara and the nursery children were busy and some of the adults in Eluned’s class were eagerly awaiting to having a chat outside on the lawn. Alwen and Nora had prepared tea, mate and cakes to welcome the visitors. They enjoyed themselves immensely! The weather was especially kind, a beautiful October day.

We were also invited to a farewell supper in Esquel. I had an opportunity to speak with Anwen Rees. She had been brought up in London, her parents having moved there from Wales to run a hotel where many Welsh people stayed when they visited London. She is not a Member of Parliament but acts as Advisor for the Select Committee. She was familiar with Huw Evans who sent his greetings and who makes his living as a singer in London. He was a small child when I lived in Llanio near Tregaron and we would go to the same Sunday School at the 'Ysgoldy', where his grandparents lived. What a small world!

After spending time here in the Andes the party travelled down to the Dyffryn to meet the people of Trelew, Gaiman, Madryn and the rest of the area and to meet the province’s officials. By now they are back home at work and I hope that they enjoyed their stay in Argentina. Thanks for coming to see us!

Mary Green

31

My name is MIKE and I am 15 years old and attend School 735 (It does not have a name yet, only a number). My main spare time interest is playing music: my favourite instrument is the viola and I am a member of a 14 strong group who play the violin, viola, and cello in Trevelin. Also I love to draw, swim, play football and cycle. I also like

reading, novels, the Bible… I was born in Esquel, Chubut. When I was a year old we moved

to London and lived there for a year and a half because my father worked there as a doctor. We returned to Argentina for a year before moving once again, to Bangor, North Wales. We settled in the area and my three brothers and I went to school there. I attended Faenol primary school and then Our Lady’s and I stayed there until year five. In

year five I moved to Maesincla School in Caernarfon where I learnt a lot of Welsh and had a great time. Then I moved to Cae Top school in Bangor for a year and enjoyed there also. So after primary school I attended Friars secondary school before returning to Esquel in

December 2009.

I started secondary school and here I am. I forgot a lot of my Welsh but for the past year I

have been attending a Welsh class in the Andes Welsh school in Esquel with Gladys and

Eluned and its surprising how much I can remember but I have learnt many new things also!

32

Hello!!!! We are Soraya, Luis and Rhys. We live in Esquel very near the mountains of the Andes. This is a photograph of the last holidays we had at the seaside. Although we live in Esquel, we love the sea!

Luis and I speak Welsh and Rhys is beginning to learn. He started in the Cylch Babanod (Infant Playgroup) and then went on to Nursery School. He is three years old.

Luis and I have been to Wales. I have been three times and Luis has been twice. I stayed for two months studying on the intense Wlpan Course in Lampeter in 1998. The second time I stayed in Cardiff and completed the Course for Tutors, also visiting Ysgol y Strade in Llanelli – a very nice school. After ten years I visited Cardiff once again staying for six months studying the Advanced and Proficiency course at Cardiff University. A wonderful experience! Whilst studying, I worked in a hotel and socialised with people from all parts of the world.

Luis spent six months in Wales on his second visit. He worked in Uned 5 on S4C (Children's TV production unit) and had a great time. His Welsh improved immensely because he spoke the language every day.

Why did we begin to learn Welsh? Because

both of us come from Welsh families. My

great-great grandfather, Rhys Williams and his

family came to Patagonia in 1867 and Luis’s

forebear, Thomas Tegai Austin, sailed on the

Mimosa to Patagonia. That is the reason why

33

Luis and I have given our son and we also feel that we are custodians of our forefathers

traditions.

On the 31st of May, at the Urdd Welsh National Eisteddfod in Meirioneth, in the presence of

Efa Gruffudd Jones on behalf of Urdd Gobaith Cymru, Máximo Pérez Catán – the Mayor of

Trelew and Rolando Griffiths on behalf of the Wladfa Eisteddfod Society, a Cultural

Exchange Treaty was signed which includes all the cultural and artistic activities which are

part of the Urdd Eisteddfod and Eisteddfod Y Wladfa.

The aim of the treaty is to consolidate and extend the cultural links that bind the two

countries and encourage, develop and maintain the Welsh language. The treaty allows

winners of music and spoken competitions in Welsh to compete in Urdd eisteddfodau in

Wales (up to 25 years of age) and similarly, individual winners from Wales will be allowed to

compete in one of the eisteddfodau in Y Wladfa.

The two organisations agree to uphold this treaty while the social and economic situation of

both countries permits it. It was also agreed to reconsider any aspect of the treaty which

needs further attention.

The treaty was signed by Roland Griffiths, the Chairman of the Wladfa Eisteddfod

Committee; Maximo Perez Catan, the mayor of Trelew and Efa Gruffudd Jones, CEO of the

Urdd and Dyfrig Davies (Chairman of the Eisteddfod Board).

Photograph: Tegwyn Roberts

34

Welsh in the Workplace

For two months I have been on a Welsh course aimed at people working

in the tourist industry held in the Tourist Office at Esquel. I had heard the

language being spoken by families and friends and thought it was high

time that I learnt the language. Up till now, it has not been too difficult

with a good teacher such as Soraya Willimas helping me. For me, the key

words are ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. Luis Carrizo

This year, I have had the opportunity to hold Welsh classes for the staff of

Trevelin Tourist Office. Thanks to Alexis Tiznado, the head of Trevelin Tourism

for agreeing to this. I teach them to pronounce names such a Capel Bethel,

Bedd (the grave of) Malacara and many other places properly and teach them

how to greet people in Welsh. The four participants are very good and like to

learn different subjects. It is a pleasant experience for me also. Estela Jones

Llais yr Andes (Voice of the Andes publication) July 2014

Recommendations for 2013: Progress Report

1) Increasing the salary of local tutors if at all practically possible. At present they are

paid $35 an hour compared to around $60 an hour paid to teachers in the

province. Because of inflation and the weakness of the pound, the value of money

in Argentina is a lot less than in the past. Paying $35 an hour corresponds to paying

between £4 a £5 an hour in Wales. Because of this, we are not able to retain native

teachers who would be able to teach the language. Similarly, the salary paid to the

Co-ordinator and the teachers who come from Wales is insufficient and in real

terms has fallen significantly during the last two or three years.

Although it was not possible to raise the salaries because of the lack of funding, it

was decided to pay a fixed sum of money, in pounds, every month which means,

because of high inflation in Argentina the value of the money ‘increases’ in real

terms.

2) Appoint experts in the field of children's and adult education in the Dyffryn. This is

important to maintain the progress made in recruiting adults and of course in

supporting the process of establishing bilingual primary education in Gaiman.

An expert in the field of child education was appointed to concentrate on

developing primary education in Gaiman and, most certainly, appointing Eluned

Jones helped greatly in this process. Although it has not been possible to appoint

35

an expert in the field of Welsh for Adults, Iwan Madog Jones has succeeded in

increasing the numbers and introducing a wide range of courses.

3) There is a need to establish an Action Plan in order to restore numbers in the

Andes region – where, in contrast to the Dyffryn, numbers have decreased from

225 in 2012 to 157 in 2013, with fewer adults and children learning the language.

Plans are afoot to extend the contact hours of the ysgol feithrin (nursery school) in

Trevelin and some developments have attracted new people. However, it should

be possible to secure an increase in numbers considering that half of our workforce

operate within the region.

The people of the Andes are to be commended for responding so positively to the

above challenge. Numbers increased significantly especially among children of

nursery school age and adults.

4) Continue with specific courses e.g. Welsh in the Workplace, Welsh for Parents. This

should lead to reaching new audiences.

This was successfully implemented in the Dyffryn and in the Andes.

5) Short courses such as taster and preparation courses should be offered during the

first fortnight of the new academic school year as a means of retaining current

learners and attracting new people

There has been a significant increase in the numbers on these courses (17 in 2013

and 82 in 2014). Already, this has led to an increase in the numbers at Entry Level

6) It is necessary to co-ordinate marketing campaigns more effectively and

comprehensively before the beginning of the new school year.

Traditional and electronic methods were used very effectively e.g. social media, big

television screens on the street in Trelew and in a newspaper in the Cultural

Office’s newspaper. The significant increase in numbers shown is testimony of the

impact of these strategies.

7) To restore numbers in Spanish medium schools in the Andes via Connecting

Classrooms basing projects on the 2015 celebrations.

Because of the amount of work involved in establishing the Andes bilingual school

this has not been one of the priorities this year. However, plans are afoot to

establish a partnership next year.

36

8) It is necessary to ensure that the Scheme’s targets are smart SMART ones. Setting a

target of 3 schools in a year is difficult if not impossible to accomplish, considering

the comparatively small number of schools in the Wladfa which teach Welsh.

A target of 2 schools was set for 2014. Ysgol Feithrin Gaiman and Coleg Camwy

(Gaiman) have two schemes planned with schools in Wales and Ysgol yr Hendre

(Trelew) has already organised a partnership with a school in Wales.

9) Cooperating with the 2015 Celebrations Committee, seeking to influence them to

ensure that all the events which will be organised will have a lasting impact.

Everybody recognises the need to ensure a ‘legacy’ in the wake of all the

celebrations. Without doubt, reaching a situation where there are 3 bilingual

primary schools in the Wladfa would be a very worthy legacy.

10) Streamlining internal procedures ensuring more input by returning

teachers/officers in formulating programmes of work for the following year.

Before leaving Wales, a briefing meeting was held for new officers with past

officers and the Learning Co-ordinator on Skype in order to explain the nature of

the work and prioritise for the forthcoming year. The feedback was very positive

and as a result the officers realised from the outset what was expected of them.

The significant increase this year strongly suggests that such sessions are very

beneficial and worthwhile.

37

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2014

1) Supporting and assisting efforts to establish and maintain bilingual

primary education in Gaiman and Trevelin.

2) To build on the significant success of 2014 and all the subsequent

interest in the 2015 celebrations in order to increase numbers at all

levels. This year’s marketing methods should be continued.

3) To collaborate with local and federal governments in order to access

more Spanish medium schools.

4) To continue to offer short courses which are open to the public and in

workplaces in order to create and develop new audiences e.g. taxi

drivers.

5) To strengthen and increase the numbers on Welsh for Adults courses

at Foundation level and particularly at Intermediate level.

6) To assist in the process of promoting and maintaining Connecting

Classrooms partnerships and seek to establish a new partnership

between the Andes and a school in Wales. Lack of funding prevents

bringing teachers over to Wales for classroom observations and this is

a blow to the Project. However, these partnerships could be utilised in

order to achieve the same aim.

7) The generosity of the Wales-Argentina Society and a charitable fund

has meant that over the past decade it has been possible to fund

learners to go to Wales every year and attend the Welsh Summer

School at the Welsh for Adults Centre in Cardiff University as well as

bringing teachers over from Patagonia for teaching observation visits -

see point 6 above.

38

The importance of this cannot be over emphasised. Nearly 60 people

have attended the Summer School during the past decade and about

80% of native Welsh teachers have learnt or improved their Welsh on

these courses. However, the economic situation does not permit us

access to this important source of funding at present. Losing a

consistent flow of confident speakers returning to the Wladfa every

year would be a great blow to the future of Welsh in Patagonia. As a

result, and in the face of a lack of additional funding for the

foreseeable future, local committees should look to raise money, as

they did at the beginning of the Project, in order to contribute towards

ensuring that this important tradition continues.