Since 1997, the Welsh Language Project (WLP) has been promoting and developing the Welsh language in the Chubut region of Patagonia, Argentina. Funded by Welsh Government and administered by British Council, each year 2 teachers from Wales spend a full academic year from March to December, teaching in Patagonia. Teaching time is split between the 3 Welsh-Spanish bilingual primary schools, Coleg Camwy, a secondary school in Gaiman where Welsh is taught as a second language, and the Welsh for Adults Centres in the region. The project also funds a permanent Welsh Teaching Co-ordinator, based in Patagonia, and supports approximately 20 staff in the schools and adult learning centres to teach Welsh.
The Project works in three catchment areas in the province of Chubut: the Andes, Gaiman and Trelew, and Welsh teachers teach a variety of courses including Entry, Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced, using the National Centre for Learning Welsh’s courses which have been translated and adapted for use in Patagonia.
Two teachers based in Trelew and Trevelin will begin their 2025 placements in March. Applications for the 2026 placements will open in Summer 2025.