Two Welsh teachers prepare for language trip in Patagonia
Megan Elias, 30, and Angharad Davies, 26, will spend the next 10 months in Patagonia as part of the British Council's Welsh language project
Two teachers from Wales are preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime trip across the world to teach the Welsh language in Argentina.
Megan Elias, 30, and Angharad Davies, 26, will spend the next 10 months in Patagonia as part of the British Council's Welsh language project.
Links between Patagonia and Wales go back more than 150 years when settlers from Wales first arrived in the province of Chubut, where Welsh traditions and culture still survive.
Both women, who discovered their "passion" for the language while studying at Bangor University, will work in schools and with local adults to promote Welsh both inside and outside the classroom.
"Welsh wasn't just something for school or work, it was a living community language"
Ms Davies, from Pontyclun, Rhondda Cynon Taf in South Wales, said: "I spoke Welsh in school and with my dad and his side of the family, but mostly spoke English socially, even though I went to a Welsh-medium school.
"When I went to Bangor University, people were speaking Welsh naturally with their friends, using it every day.
"That really opened my eyes - Welsh wasn't just something for school or work, it was a living community language.
"That experience had a huge impact on me."
Ms Elias, from Old Colwyn in North Wales, said she was inspired to study Welsh at university after attending her first Eisteddfod, the annual festival celebrating Welsh language and culture.
She said: "I'd never seen so many people speaking Welsh and part of such a special culture, I didn't even realise that world existed.
"That day, I decided I wanted to speak Welsh fluently.
"I changed my plans to study finance at Lancaster University, rang Bangor University last minute and asked if I could study Welsh - and I did.
"It completely changed my life.
"Everything I've achieved since is because I learned Welsh."
The British Council's Welsh language project, which began in 1997, is aimed at supporting Welsh-speaking communities in Patagonia.
During the programme, teachers work in schools and with local adults to promote Welsh both inside and outside the classroom, combining formal lessons with cultural activities, music, and community engagement.
Ms Davies said: "I know Welsh is spoken there by fewer people than in Wales, but I wanted to contribute, and also to prove to myself that I could make a difference.
"I'd experienced first hand how difficult it can be to sustain the language in largely English-speaking areas, and that really motivated me to apply for the programme.
"It's about more than just teaching, it's about inspiring people to enjoy the Welsh language, to use it in everyday life, and to connect with the culture and community."
"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,"
"At this point in my life, if I didn't go now, I don't know when I would.
"Being part of a project like this means you're genuinely making an impact, which is why I became a teacher in the first place.
"To be able to do that through the Welsh language, halfway across the world, is incredibly special.
"Whatever happens, I know it will change me and broaden my horizons."
Ruth Cocks, director of British Council Wales, said: "The Welsh language project is something truly special, connecting Welsh speakers in Wales with communities in Patagonia through language, education and culture.
"Megan and Angharad's passion for the Welsh language, and their enthusiasm for sharing it with others, makes them fantastic ambassadors for the programme.
"As they head to Patagonia, they become part of a proud and long-standing tradition of Welsh speakers building friendships and strengthening cultural ties with communities half a world away who share a deep love of Welsh language and heritage.
"We wish them every success on this exciting journey."