Born and raised in Llanhilleth, Lowri Butler-Griffiths is the next remarkable name to join our Welsh Champion Honours List for this year’s Shwmae Su’mae Day.
A proud alumna of St Illtyd’s Primary and later Newbridge Comprehensive, Lowri’s passion for the Welsh language began early.
“I had an inspirational teacher, Mrs Whitlock, at St Illtyds primary school, who encouraged me to learn so I stuck with it all through comprehensive school. I wasn’t very academic, but I absolutely loved Welsh lessons,” Lowri recalls, smiling.
Her dedication led her to Coleg Gwent Crosskeys, where she achieved her A-level in Welsh, before continuing to Aberystwyth University to complete a degree in Welsh.
“At first, I struggled. I even rang my mam in tears because everything was in Welsh and I thought I couldn’t do it. But I stuck with it—and I’m so glad I did.”
Guided by the celebrated Welsh author Mererid Hopwood, Lowri flourished under expert tuition and successfully earned her degree, followed by a PGCE.
After gaining valuable experience at Ysgol Bro Helyg and Ysgol Cwm Gwyddon, placements she thoroughly enjoyed, Lowri has come full circle. This September, she returns to her roots as the newly appointed Welsh teacher at Newbridge Comprehensive, the very school where her journey began.
“I want to inspire people to feel like me, we’re Welsh so I needed to speak Welsh.” Lowri starts, “There are so many social and cultural events and people are missing out on so much.”
What’s the future going to look like for Lowri?
“I’d like to start lessons in the area and help people fall in love with the language the same as I have, I just don’t understand why you wouldn’t love that we have our own beautiful language and want to speak it.”
Wishing Lowri every success in her new role—your passion and dedication continue to inspire and shape the Welsh speakers of tomorrow. Diolch o galon for being such a powerful advocate for our language and culture!
If you have a nomination for the Welsh honour list, then let us know following this link: https://online1.snapsurveys.com/WelshChampion and we’ll be in touch.
Fore more information on how you can start your own journey: https://learnwelsh.cymru/