A NEW Welsh language resource from the Diocese of Bangor is helping pupils across north-west Wales explore Christian pilgrimage, local churches, and faith heritage through activities rooted in their own communities.
The project focuses on ‘Erin Pererin’, a fictional guide who leads children through stories and local journeys via ‘PererinYsgolion’, a new website for schools. By connecting Welsh language, landscape, and Christian tradition, the initiative taps into the wider revival of interest in pilgrimage in Wales, reflected in the popularity of the BBC’s ‘Pilgrimage’ series, while inviting a new generation to experience pilgrimage for themselves. Pererin means pilgrim in Welsh.
Nia Elain Roberts developed Erin Pererin in her role as Schools Pilgrimage Engagement Officer. Drawing on her work with schools, the character introduces children to pilgrimage, saints and sacred spaces in an accessible and engaging way.
Nia said: “Pilgrimage has become increasingly popular in schools because children enjoy the excitement of learning beyond the classroom.
“Exploring churches, walking pilgrimage routes and taking part in practical activities helps pupils connect with saints, stories and local Christian heritage in a way that feels active and relevant to them.”
Developing this resource reflects a wider recognition of the importance of investing in high-quality Welsh-language learning resources that reflects local history, culture, and Christian context.
Nia added: “We wanted children to feel that pilgrimage and church heritage belong to them and their communities. Using resources in the language of their daily lives helps make those connections feel natural and meaningful.“
Erin Pererin acts as a guide for pupils as they explore the resources on the PererinYsgolion website. Through stories, questions and activities, Erin helps children to discover local churches and saints and understand the importance of Welsh Christian heritage.
The website provides teachers with ready-to-use materials to support, including short films featuring churches from across the Diocese of Bangor, PowerPoint presentations, work packs and digital books. These resources help pupils understand the history, heritage and the role of the church in the local area, while supporting learning about Christian belief and values.
All resources on the website are mapped to the Curriculum for Wales and can be used across several Areas of Learning and Experience. These include Religion, Values and Ethics, Humanities, Expressive Arts, and Health and Wellbeing.
The PererinYsgolion website will continue to grow, with new resources added over the coming months. Schools can also request bespoke materials linked to local churches, saints or pilgrimage routes within the Diocese of Bangor.
Carys Thomas, Head Teacher at Ysgol Llandwrog, believes the website will become a valuable resource supporting teaching across the school
She said: “Pererin Ysgolion is a valuable cross‑curricular resource. It supports effective planning across Literacy, Numeracy and a range of other curriculum areas, alongside Religion, Values and Ethics.
“With extensive resources for both teachers and learners, including presentations and plans, it will provide significant benefit to schools.”
Further information and access to the resources is available on the PererinYsgolion website.
