Eli Staniforth, a tutor at Swansea University’s Learn Welsh - Swansea Bay Region, has been selected as one of the four finalists in the highly coveted National Eisteddfod’s main competition for learners.
This year's competition, with the final round to be held at the Rhondda Cynon Taf National Eisteddfod, attracted 45 entries, the highest number in the competition’s history.
The competition, which has attracted accomplished learners from Wales and beyond is jointly organized by the Eisteddfod and the National Centre for Learning Welsh.
The winner will be revealed at a special ceremony on the pavilion stage on Wednesday 7 August.
Joining Eli in the final are fellow outstanding learners: Joshua Morgan, Antwn Owen-Hicks, and Alanna Pennar-Macfarlane.
These finalists emerged following a rigorous semi-final round held last month. Judges Bethan Glyn, Cefin Campbell, and Mark Morgan will have the opportunity to engage with the finalists on the Eisteddfod Maes before determining the ultimate winner.
Eli Staniforth embarked on her Welsh learning journey approximately four years ago, driven by a desire to connect with others during the covid era and to enhance her prospects in the arts sector.
Despite growing up in a non-Welsh-speaking household in Cardiff and pursuing fine art studies in Oxford, her passion for Welsh language and culture flourished. Learning Welsh not only bolstered her confidence but also inspired her to become a Welsh for adults tutor, imparting her enthusiasm to fellow learners. She gained some first-hand experience on an in-house training scheme with Learn Welsh Swansea Bay Region, leading eventually to a full-time teaching contract, and remains a valued member of the team.
Looking ahead, Elinor aims to fuse her passion for Welsh learning with art, envisioning art courses that unite learners and proficient speakers through visual expression.
The winner of the Learner of the Year Award will be announced on the Pavilion stage on Wednesday 9 August, and will receive the prestigious Learner of the Year Trophy, presented by Menter Iaith Rhondda Cynon Taf, along with a £300 prize generously donated by Lowri Jones and Rhuanedd Richards as a gesture of thanks to their parents for endeavouring to learn Welsh as adults.
Additionally, the other three finalists will each receive a trophy in memory of Meirion Lewis, former head of Ysgol Gymraeg Ynys-wen, his wife Clarice Lewis, and daughter Mair, along with a £100 award, also provided by Lowri Jones and Rhuanedd Richards.
The Learner of the Year sessions in Maes D are supported by Cwmni Cyfieithu Nico.
The Rhondda Cynon Taf National Eisteddfod will take place at Parc Ynysangharad, Pontypridd, from August 3-10.