Why is there a Welsh language project in Patagonia?

After research was carried out in the Chubut Valley in the 70s there was a feeling that the language needed help to continue in Patagonia and so in 1996 discussions began between the people from Patagonia who were working to maintain the language and culture and the people in Wales who would be able to support such work.  The Project began officially in 1997 after some years of reliance on the goodwill of volunteers to teach and promote the language.  

Who goes to Patagonia to teach with the Project?

There is an advertisement each year for teachers or tutors with the necessary skills to join the teaching teams in Patagonia and give the work which is already being done a boost.

How many students are learning Welsh in Patagonia?

In 2019 the highest number of students learning with the Project was registered:  1411 people – children, young [people and adults. 

What exactly does the Welsh Language Project do in Patagonia?

• Promote and develop the Welsh language in Chubut province, Argentina since 1997
• Send three teachers from Wales to Patagonia each year
• Support the teaching of the languae in the three Spanish-Welsh primary schools
• Support the teaching of the language in Coleg Camwy, Gaiman and Ysgol y Cwm, Trevelin
• Support the teaching of adults in every part of the province.
• Support social events in order to promote the social use of the language.
• Offer scholarships and provide opportunities to visit Wales to attend Welsh courses and activities

Who runs the Project?

The Welsh Language Project is administered by British Council Cymru in collaboration with the Welsh Language Committee made up of members of the Welsh Government, British Council Cymru, [Link here: Welsh Language Project | British Council] Cymdeithas Cymru – Ariannin, Mudiad Meithrin and the National Centre for Learning Welsh.

Are there bilingual Spanish-Welsh schools in Patagonia?

If you would like to learn more about the development of Welsh language teaching in schools in Patagonia, click here: [dolen/linc ar dudalen yr ysgolion]. One thing is certain:  the schools would not exist without the continuing support of the Project.

Here are the words of the learners who have benefitted from the Project:

(Welsh only)

Teachers’ experiences in Patagonia:

“That was the best professional development for me at the time. After 2 years teaching Welsh to children in Trelew, I came back and found employment straight away at the London School of Welsh.” – Sioned Jones (Teacher at Ysgol yr Hendre, 2014)

“The people over there were so kind and the school children were very affectionate. It’s an unreal experience to hear the Welsh language at the end of the world. I will never, ever forget my time working in Patagonia.” (Beth Owen – Teacher at Trevelin and Esquel, 2022)

“Wales and Argentina are so distant but by learning Welsh we share something that is so close to our hearts.” (Clare Vaughan, Academic Coordinator)