AS COLEG Cymraeg Cenedlaethol marks its 15th anniversary, broadcaster Lloyd Lewis reflects on how Welsh-medium study helped shape his career.
LLOYD, a familiar face on S4C screens and a respected voice in Welsh rugby commentary, says he fears he may have lost touch with the Welsh language altogether had it not been for opportunities to study through the medium of Welsh at university.
Raised in the Cwmbrân area, Lloyd attended Welsh-medium primary and secondary schools and was actively involved in rugby, drama, music and eisteddfodau throughout his school years. However, after leaving school to study Journalism, Media and English Literature at Cardiff University, he found himself drifting away from the language.
That changed when he chose to take Welsh-medium modules offered through the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.
“I was always a very proud Welshman and loved rugby, drama, music and the eisteddfodau, all through the medium of Welsh at school,” said Lloyd.
“Although I hadn’t spoken Welsh since leaving school, I decided to do some modules through the medium of Welsh at university.
“I had quite a shock being among students who spoke Welsh every day, as I hadn’t spoken Welsh for a while. But that’s what inspired me to reconnect with the language and appreciate how special it is.
“I’m so lucky and grateful that I did those modules in Welsh, because without doing that, I wouldn’t have had all the opportunities I’ve had until now, or a career that I love.”
One of the lecturers who taught Lloyd during his time at Cardiff University was Siân Lloyd, now a senior lecturer at the university’s School of Journalism, Media and Culture.
She said: “As a lecturer, it was a pleasure to see Lloyd grow in confidence over time. He needed a bit of persuasion at the start, but his success today is clear evidence of the value of studying through the medium of Welsh.
“His journey shows how valuable Welsh-medium opportunities at university are, and I’m extremely proud of him and all our other graduates who have gone on into the world of work with relevant and valuable skills and confidence.”
Since graduating, Lloyd has built a successful career in Welsh-language broadcasting, working as a rugby commentator and television presenter. Alongside his media work, he also creates music with his friend Dom, releasing Welsh-language tracks that have gained a growing audience.
“I’ve had so many opportunities thanks to my Welsh education,” he said.
“I started out doing children’s television, and then because I play rugby, I got opportunities to present sports programmes. And now that’s what I do full time and I love it.
“I’ve also always loved music, and when I was at university, Dom sent me a message asking if I wanted to work with him. The first song we released was ‘Pwy sy’n galw’, and after that, things went from strength to strength.
“I think it’s important to have representation from our background in the Welsh rock scene – I didn’t see much of it when I was younger.”
Reflecting on the impact of his studies, Lloyd added: “I’m so grateful to the Coleg Cymraeg. The Welsh modules inspired me and motivated me to continue with the language. I wouldn’t change anything about my career so far and I’m very proud to use the language every day.”
Lloyd will host this year’s Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol Awards Evening, which celebrates students, apprentices and educators who have made significant contributions to Welsh-medium and bilingual education.
Dr Ioan Matthew, Chief Executive of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol, said the event remains one of the organisation’s annual highlights.
“The Awards Evening is an annual event for us, and one of the highlights of the year that recognises the excellent work taking place in higher education, further education, apprenticeships and schools across Wales,” he said.
“We are also delighted that Lloyd has agreed to host the evening. It felt like a natural choice, as someone who has benefited greatly from Welsh-medium education.
“Lloyd is a good example of how choosing to continue studying through the medium of Welsh after leaving school can shape a young person’s career.”
The Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol Awards Evening will take place on June 17 at Cabaret, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, with this year’s celebrations placing a special focus on the organisation’s 15th anniversary.
As part of the milestone celebrations, the Coleg is running a social media campaign from June 1 to 15 using the hashtag #DiolchCCC, encouraging learners and educators across Wales to share their experiences of studying, training and teaching through the medium of Welsh.
The campaign aims to showcase the positive impact of Welsh-medium and bilingual tertiary education on individuals, communities and workplaces throughout Wales.
