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"It's not often people get offered opportunities like this, especially a 13 year old girl like me from Cardiff". Hi, I am Luchia from Cardiff and last year I started on my journey learning the Welsh National Anthem. From a young age I found learning the Welsh language difficult, however, as I got older and since attending high school I have a lot more interest and I am a lot more eager to learn.
I feel it is so important for everyone from Wales to learn/speak Welsh, whether you were born here or came to Wales at a young age, no matter your background/heritage. If you feel Welsh it is never too late to learn the language.
I have no Welsh blood, my heritage is Mixed Greek/Nigerian. However, I was born here and totally feel Welsh, it's the place I call home.
Episode 1:
There have been times over the years where people have made comments such as you’re not white enough, you’re not black enough, you’re not Welsh you’re Black! Obviously that has made me think about things but, thankfully, I know who I am and I know what I am.
I always thought I knew the words to the Anthem, but boy was I so wrong! I think like most of us, we sing along making up our own words singing what we think they are just to blend in. Since starting high school I feel my pronunciation of the Welsh language has got better, but with the task ahead to learn the Welsh National Anthem I definitely needed a helping hand. Thankfully, I was introduced to the amazing Natalie Jones who has certainly helped with pronunciation of the Welsh words so far.
The journey has been absolutely amazing, working with the Welsh Rugby Union who have been filming and documenting the process so far. I was lucky enough to watch the Wales v South Africa game and the Wales v Barbarians, which was such an amazing experience, especially with it being my first ever time at Principality Stadium to watch a rugby game. The atmosphere at a rugby game is something incredible and I have now found a new love of rugby and will definitely be attending a lot more games. I have also got to work and meet so many fantastic people.
Episode 2:
I got to work with Wynnne Evans, the face of Go. Compare, I also got to meet the former First Minister Mark Drakeford who offered words of encouragement. I also got to attend Tafwyl, which is a Welsh festival celebrating the Welsh language, arts and culture, it is spread over two days and is usually held at Cardiff Castle. I had never heard of Tafwyl Festival before and it is something I will be attending yearly. The process has been slower than I anticipated due to school commitments, such as a lot of assessments and daily rehearsals for my school musical, however, I was adamant I was not going to let any of this get in the way of my journey learning the anthem. The cherry on the top of all this hard work, is that The Welsh Rugby Union has invited me to sing with the choir before the game for Welsh Woman in the Six Nations this year. I cannot tell you how overwhelming this is and I feel so incredibly lucky to be given such an amazing opportunity.
Episode 3:
My initial goal was to learn the Welsh National Anthem, however, as the time has passed, I am now going that one step further and I am teaching myself to speak Welsh fluently. Not only is this keeping the Welsh language alive and also making me feel more connected, it will definitely open more doors for me now and for future opportunities, in my singing career and TV and radio presenting roles. I 100% have a sense of belonging, I have a deep connection with my home town, even though my heritage is Greek/Nigerian which obviously has my heart, however, Wales is my home.
WRU Inclusion Day
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