Mohammed Karkoubi, who lives in Aberystwyth, has won the Welsh Learner award at an awards ceremony held as part of Refugee Week in Wales.

Wales’ Nation of Sanctuary awards were presented for the first time this year by the Welsh Refugee Council in collaboration with the Welsh Refugee Coalition.

Awards were given to refugees and asylum seekers who have excelled in the arts, languages, business, and volunteering.

Mohammed is originally from Syria, and moved with his family to Aberystwyth in 2015. He decided to start learning Welsh last year.

Mohammed works as a blacksmith in Tregaron, and has been following an intensive Welsh course at Aberystwyth twice a week.

Mohammed is fully committed to the course, delivered by Ceredigion County Council and Learn Welsh Ceredigion-Powys-Carmarthenshire on behalf of the National Centre for Learning Welsh.

In March this year Mohammed and his family went on a Welsh for the Family weekend at Urdd Gobaith Cymru’s residential centre at Llangrannog.

The weekend was organised by Learn Welsh Ceredigion-Powys-Carmarthenshire, which is run by Aberystwyth University, and the National Centre for Learning Welsh.

During the weekend, Mohammed had the opportunity to attend Welsh lessons and to socialise with other learners.

Mohammed said: “I am delighted to receive this special award.

"I really enjoy learning Welsh. The language has helped me and my family to feel part of the community in which we live.

"I have the opportunity to use Welsh with other learners in the classroom, and at work every day.

"I am very grateful to the tutor, Rob Dery, and to everyone who helps me.”

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