The National Centre for Learning Welsh has reported a significant increase in adult learners taking courses with the centre. The number of adult learners has risen by 12% in a year, reaching over 20,000 for the first time. This growth is attributed to the centre's efforts in providing Welsh language courses to adults.
The Welsh language commissioner's report highlights the need for bold intervention to meet the target of a million Welsh speakers by 2050. However, the centre's statistics show consistent growth since its establishment in 2016. The number of people on Dysgu Cymraeg courses has increased every year, with a notable rise of 61% since 2017-18.
The centre has seen a significant increase in younger learners, with a 56% rise in learners aged 16 to 24 in 2024-25. Workplace uptake is also strong, particularly in the NHS and police, with almost 40% of learners coming through their workplaces.
The surge in adult learners taking Welsh language courses has significant implications for the country's efforts to meet its target of a million Welsh speakers by 2050. This growth in adult learners may also pave the way for younger generations to follow suit, potentially reversing the decline in Welsh language speakers.
