The Dysgu Cymraeg (Learn Welsh) scheme, a partnership between S4C and the National Centre for Learning Welsh, has reached more than 200 people working in the broadcasting industry in Wales in less than a year.
More than 150 people have already received support, with over 50 more set to begin sessions during the autumn term.
A year ago, Gwyneth Jones was appointed as a Welsh tutor to work specifically with S4C and the wider production sector.
The news of the number of people benefiting from the provision comes during Wythnos Dathlu Dysgu Cymraeg (Celebrate Learning Welsh Week) 2026.
Those who have received support with their Welsh include S4C staff, independent production companies, freelancers and contributors to a number of S4C programmes.
The scheme offers weekly group sessions as well as one-to-one lessons.
Geraint Evans, Chief Executive of S4C, said:
“Supporting Welsh learners and new speakers is extremely important to us at S4C as we support the Welsh Government’s ambition of reaching one million Welsh speakers and doubling the use of Welsh by 2050.
“Our partnership with the National Centre continues to develop, and in addition to the lessons, it is wonderful to see the content being commissioned watched, appreciated and recognised as a resource that enriches the process of learning Welsh.”
Dona Lewis, Chief Executive of the National Centre for Learning Welsh, added:
“Creating more and more opportunities for people to learn and use Welsh is the Centre’s primary aim, whether through community-based provision or initiatives with specific sectors and workforces.
“The Centre’s research shows that our learners are eager for opportunities to use and enjoy their Welsh, and watching and listening to Welsh-language content across the media is an excellent way of doing so.
“The partnership with S4C is therefore a key one, achieving two important goals: enabling broadcasting sector staff to strengthen their Welsh-language skills and build confidence in using the language at work and in their everyday lives, while also supporting the broadcaster in creating suitable content that attracts learners and new speakers.”
As part of S4C’s offering during Wythnos Dathlu Dysgu Cymraeg, a special episode of Y Deis Selebs will feature Welsh learners Aleighcia Scott, Alun Wyn Jones and Mike Bubbins, who will join Mali Ann Rees, Jonathan ‘Fox’ Davies and Eleri Siôn.
The special episode will launch the second series of the popular game show, which combines general knowledge with a little bit of luck.
At a special screening of her new series Gwalia Aleighcia during Wythnos Dathlu Dysgu Cymraeg, Aleighcia Scott said:
“It’s so important to celebrate Welsh learners because we need to encourage more and more people to feel comfortable starting to learn, and comfortable using the Welsh they have. It’s just as important to celebrate the language itself too.”
“For me, the best thing about learning Welsh is that I feel more connected to Wales and I understand more about Wales now and I just feel part of it,” she added.
A range of content aimed at new Welsh speakers is also available to watch on S4C Dysgu Cymraeg on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
