A Wrexham University Senior Nursing lecturer has won an award recognising her contribution to supporting students in the Welsh language.
Awel Wynne-Williams received the award from the Coleg Cymraeg organisation at a ceremony in Cardiff honouring the country’s top educators in the Welsh language.
Awel, who lectures in children’s nursing at Wrexham, and who worked as a paediatric nurse for many years, was nominated for the ‘Celebrating the Lecturer’ Award by one of her students, who praised her for her compassion, approachability and support during a difficult time.
Coleg Cymraeg is an organisation that promotes and supports Welsh‑medium education in colleges and universities across Wales, funding courses, resources and staff to expand learning through the Welsh language.
Awel Wynne-Williams, said:
“It’s an honour and a huge shock to receive this award. The fact that students have taken the time to write a nomination means the world to me.
“After working in children’s hospitals over the border and abroad, it has been lovely to return home to working close to my local community, and doing so through the medium of Welsh. When I was working away from home, I didn’t realise how much working in my mother tongue meant to me, not just from a professional standpoint, but personally too.
“Seeing students succeeding, thriving and sharing their kindness while caring for others gives me huge faith in the future of our health sector. Despite the clinical challenges that arise more and more every day, I’ve witnessed the quality of newly-registered nurses who join the workforce, great people who have chosen the profession for the right reasons and who are determined to make a difference to the lives of people who need it most.
“Supporting students who speak Welsh, as well as encouraging others to learn the language, gives my work an additional and deeper purpose. It means contributing to the future of a health service which is genuinely inclusive, culturally sensitive and reflects the communities we serve.
“I am currently part of a project by Wrexham University in partnership with Cardiff Metropolitan University, which has been commissioned by the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol, the project emphasizes that bilingualism is a unique experience for each individual, and encourages us to see the person behind the language. We truly hope that the project will be a success and contribute positively to the skills and attitude of future health workers, ensuring that our services reflect the needs and identity of our communities. In addition to this, I hope to formalize the Welsh language provision that is offered within the nursing curriculum.”
Elen Mai Nefydd, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for Welsh Language, Heritage and Culture at Wrexham University, said:
“I was delighted to present this award to Awel celebrating her outstanding support to Welsh students at Wrexham University. Her work has made a significant impact on students’ experience through the medium of Welsh, and this recognition is richly deserved.”
