February 10, 2020 - 1498 views
Coleg Llandrillo has recognised the needs of bilingualism within the health and social care industry after delivering its first ever course in Welsh within the sector.
The Level 3 Health and Social Care Welsh group are all based at the college's Rhos-on-sea campus and will be studying on the A-level-equivalent course for two years.
Sara Davies, Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch officer for Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, said:
"One of the main factors that prevents students from using their Welsh and bilingual skills is a lack of confidence in their Welsh language ability. But within the health and social care sector, being able to provide an 'active offer' to a patient - especially a young child or an elderly person - is essential.
"We are hoping that this is the first of many new courses taught through the medium of Welsh within the Health and Social Care department at Coleg Llandrillo.
"Many Welsh-speaking elderly people suffering with dementia revert back to their childhoods, therefore only speak Welsh. Social care companies can now offer a language choice to their clients.
"With that in mind, the students had to organise a Christmas event as part of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol funded Gyda'n Gilydd (Together) project.
"Elderly residents from local nursing homes joined the students in making Christmas cards, taking part in discussions on Christmases past and present and enjoyed afternoon tea; together.
Sara added: "The aim of the Gyda'n Gilydd (Together) project is to increase students' confidence to speak Welsh, by enjoying various social and practical activities with elderly people within the community.
"My priority was ensuring that everyone involved had fun, with the Welsh language being a natural, normal part of the enjoyment. The students used their Welsh language skills in a friendly, respectful and mature manner.
Health and Social Care lecturer Caroline Evans, who delivers the course through the medium of Welsh at Rhos-on-Sea, said:
The 'Gyda'n Gilydd' project was a fantastic opportunity for students to use their Welsh language skills in a comfortable, supportive environment.
Learners can also see for themselves how beneficial the Welsh language can be in developing relationships with service users. The feedback from the learners following the project has been extremely positive.
They thoroughly enjoyed spending time with everyone involved, with aspects of it very moving at times.
Yasmin Jones, one of the students who took part in the project, said: "The whole experience was really valuable as I got to practise more of my Welsh and also practise my people skills".
