We’re thrilled to share the fantastic progress of Rebecca Jenkins, a dedicated Teaching Assistant at Ysgol Maes Y Felin, who has taken huge steps on her journey with the Welsh language — taith iaith Gymraeg that is already making a real difference in her school community.

After completing her Level 2 Supporting Teaching and Learning qualification, Rebecca moved onto Level 3, and during this transition she made a bold decision: to take a six-week sabbatical to focus fully on learning Welsh. Those six weeks became a turning point. Rebecca immersed herself in dysgu Cymraeg, practising daily and building the confidence to use the language naturally.

Since returning to school, the impact has been immediate. Her class teacher shared how Rebecca now uses Welsh confidently throughout the day, greeting pupils with “bore da”, supporting them with simple instructions in Welsh, and using phrases like “da iawn”, “aros funud”, and “wrth gwrs” in her interactions. She has even started helping colleagues feel more comfortable using everyday Welsh, creating a warm, croeso i bawb atmosphere around the school.

Staff have told us that Rebecca’s enthusiasm has been infectious — mae ei brwdfrydedd yn ysbrydoledig. She has become a quiet champion for the language, showing how incorporating Welsh into daily routines can lift confidence, nurture culture, and strengthen connections with pupils.

Rebecca’s passion, commitment, and pride in embracing the language — yr iaith Gymraeg sy’n perthyn i ni i gyd — is something truly special.

Llongyfarchiadau mawr, Rebecca — rydyn ni’n hynod falch ohonot ti a’r esiampl rwyt ti’n ei rhoi i eraill.