12/6/2025

In just six months, nine-year-old Ffion has transformed from a non-Welsh speaker to one of the top three Welsh learners in Wales, thanks to the support and dedication of Uned Drochi Iaith Caerdydd. Her journey is a shining example of the power of late language immersion and the life-changing impact of Welsh-medium education.

Ffion joined Uned Drochi Iaith in November 2024. Having not spoken Welsh before and with no Welsh spoken at home and no prior experience of the Urdd Eisteddfod, she began attending the unit four days a week, with an additional day at Ysgol Melin Gruffydd. By January 2025, she was preparing for her first-ever Eisteddfod competition.

Her rapid progress was nothing short of extraordinary. In March, she won first place representing Cardiff schools in the Gylch round for her recital of ‘Mewn Siop Anifeiliaid Anwes' by poet Myrddin ap Dafydd. The following month, she triumphed again at the Sir round at Cardiff University, competing against schools from across Cardiff and the Vale. In the national final at the Urdd Eisteddfod, Ffion placed third out of 19 participants - an incredible achievement for someone who had only been learning Welsh for half a year.

Ffion's story is a testament to the success of Uned Drochi Iaith Caerdydd, which has supported nearly 500 children and young people since 2010. The unit provides a welcoming, inclusive environment for learners of all backgrounds, helping them gain the language skills needed to thrive in Welsh-medium education and feel a sense of belonging in their communities.

Reflecting on her experience, Ffion said: "On my first day in the Uned Drochi I had no clue what any of the teachers were saying! Now I'm translating whole reading books to my family.

"The Eisteddfod was one of the best experiences of my life. Thank you to everyone that helped me to get onto that stage and perform - especially my friends at Ysgol Melin Gruffydd. I can't believe that in such little time I have been able to do so many amazing things. Without the Uned Drochi none of this would be possible. I am so happy I can now speak Welsh."

Cardiff's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry said: "Ffion's incredible journey from a non-Welsh speaker to a national Eisteddfod finalist in just six months is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of Welsh-medium education.

"Cardiff is proud to champion inclusive, high-quality language immersion through Uned Drochi Iaith Caerdydd, ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to thrive in our national language. This commitment is central to our vision of a truly bilingual capital and a vibrant Welsh-speaking future."

Uned Drochi Iaith is recognised across Wales as a model of best practice. It plays a key role in Cardiff's Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (WESP) 2022-2032 and contributes to the Welsh Government's goal of reaching one million Welsh speakers by 2050. In addition, the provision is accessed by children and young people from across the world, some of who are learning Welsh as their third, fourth, or even fifth language.

The unit also leads professional development for other immersion centres and has developed innovative resources such as "Trochi & Gloywi," now being trialled in Carmarthenshire.

As Estyn noted in its thematic report on Welsh Immersion Education, Uned Drochi Iaith's work is exemplary, offering valuable guidance and resources to schools across Wales.

For more information about Uned Drochi Iaith Caerdydd please visit https://www.trochiiaith.co.uk