Dafydd Evans awarded fellowship for lifetime contribution to Welsh-medium education
Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s former Chief Executive, Dafydd Evans, has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to Welsh-medium education and the Welsh language.
Mr Evans was presented with the Fellowship at the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol’s Annual Congregation on March 24th, in recognition of his exceptional lifetime contribution to the further education sector.
During his tenure at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, Dafydd was a passionate advocate for education, training and skills development, with a strong focus on supporting the economic growth of north Wales. He also served as Chair of ColegauCymru, where he played a key role in representing the sector at a national level.
Grŵp Llandrillo Menai is one of the largest further education providers in Wales, serving thousands of learners across north Wales and playing a leading role in delivering bilingual and Welsh-medium education, particularly in vocational and technical fields.
The Fellowship was presented to Mr Evans by Angharad Roberts, a Board Member of Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol and Director at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai.
Angharad Roberts, Director of Bilingual Development, Learning Resources and Skills at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, paid tribute to Dafydd’s impact:
“For Dafydd, the language has always been central to all the developments in the region. He understood that in order to serve the real North Wales - and in transforming Grŵp Llandrillo Menai campuses with first class estate and resources - that education must be provided in the language of the home, the community and the workplace - and that is quite clear in our higher density areas.
“He ensured that the Grŵp offered the widest choice of bilingual training in Wales, firmly incorporating a culture where the Welsh language could flourish in technical and vocational settings. But his influence has not only been in the north. As Chair of Colegau Cymru, he stepped onto the national stage, ensuring that the Welsh language was not just a footnote in policy, but that it was at the forefront of every discussion across the whole sector. Congratulations, Dafydd!”
Speaking after receiving the award, Dafydd Evans said:
“It’s a great honour to receive this recognition from the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.
“There is no doubt that the Coleg has had a hugely positive influence on the further education sector, particularly in strengthening vocational courses and apprenticeships through the medium of Welsh.”
“It’s been an absolute pleasure to be a part of the journey.”