A PEMBROKESHIRE WOMAN feels more connected to her local community after learning Welsh and is now calling on others to do the same as part of Adult Learners’ Week.

Ailinor Evans, 48, from Cilgerran in Pembrokeshire, started learning Welsh three years ago as she wanted to feel a part of her local community. Ali, who grew up in the area in a non-Welsh speaking family, moved away when she was 16, and lost any Welsh that she had learnt when she was younger. It wasn’t until she moved back 19 years later that she felt the need to pick the language back up again.

However, as a busy working mother the time never felt right to dedicate the time to learn Welsh. In 2015 after being made redundant she started working at the Pembrokeshire Housing Association now called ateb Group.

The organisation offered free lunchtime Welsh classes as part of its Welsh language policy, Ali took the opportunity and hasn’t looked back since. Ali soon found one hour a week wasn’t enough and she wanted to progress more quickly, so she took the leap and began an evening class. She is now on her way to gaining her Canolradd/Intermediate qualification next month with the view to taking her Uwch/Advanced certificate in advanced Welsh in the future.

Ali is supporting Adult Learners’ Week 2018 which takes place from June 18-24 2018 to highlight opportunities to continue developing and learning new skills as an adult and celebrate the positive impact of adult education on skills and employability.

Ali said: “I have always wanted to be fluent in Welsh but have felt, until now, that I haven’t had the time to commit to it. When my employer introduced Welsh lessons that were held in the room next door to my office I felt that I didn’t have an excuse any more.

“I live in a rural community where about 60% of people speak fluent Welsh. I have never been made to feel unwelcome but I was keen to learn as much Welsh as I could to be fully integrated in the community. The majority of our local businesses, shops, pubs and cafes operate in Welsh so I have loved being able to hold a conversation and go about my daily tasks with the confidence that I can speak in Welsh.

“Learning Welsh has also benefitted me at work. My role involves me speaking to tenants to find out if they have any concerns or issues that they want to raise and it is nice that they can speak to me in Welsh if that is the language they feel more comfortable in. My employer has been really supportive of my learning journey and allows me the time to study and the time to take any exams.

“I would encourage anyone thinking about learning Welsh to do it. If you don’t want to commit to an evening course, there are lots of less intensive options for you to try first. Many local communities hold coffee mornings or will team you up with a local mentor where you can meet up and chat in Welsh together. The Welsh language community is very supportive and will encourage learners as much as they can.”

Adult Learners’ Week 2018 is running from June 18-24 and celebrates lifelong learning, whether work-based, as part of a community education course, at college, university or online. Now in its 27th year, it aims to promote the range of courses available to adult learners, from languages to computing or childcare to finance.

Eluned Morgan, Minister for Welsh Language and Lifelong Learning, said: “We often think of education as something we do when we’re young, but learning is a lifelong activity.

“Ali is a perfect example of someone who has benefited from the decision to learn Welsh as an adult. The Welsh language belongs to us all, and whatever your age it’s never too late to start learning. There are more opportunities than ever before for people of all ages to start learning Welsh, whether at school, college, or as an adult. Every person who takes up the opportunity to learn our language will help towards our ambitious target of one million Welsh speakers by 2050 who will embrace the language and use it in all contexts.

“We hope Adult Learners’ Week will inspire people of all ages across Wales to find out more about how they can develop their skills. Skills Gateway for Adults also offers a range of careers advice and guidance for anyone looking to improve their skills and employability or get back into work.”

David Hagendyk, Director for Wales at Learning and Work Institute, said: “Going back into education has enormous benefits for adults. The evidence shows that it can improve your health, family life, the chance of a job, or a promotion at work. Taking that first step back into adult education might seem a little daunting at first but there is always someone to lend a helping hand and to support you along the way.

“Adult Learners’ Week has been running in Wales for 27 years and has helped hundreds of thousands of adults right across the country. It’s a great time to take the plunge to learn a new skill, meet new people and learn about something you have always been passionate about. With the world changing so quickly around us it is more important than ever that all of us are learning throughout our lives. Now is the perfect time to start.”

Adult Learners’ Week is funded by The Welsh Government and the European Social Fund and organised by the Learning & Work Institute Wales.

For more information on Adult Learners’ Week, go to www.careerswales.com/skillsgateway or call 0800 028 4844 or follow @skillsgatewaycw.

For more information on Welsh courses, please go to learnwelsh.cymru