Andorra Catalan Centres Double Users to Nearly 20,000 in One Year

Andorra's Catalan language centres have nearly tripled their users in a single year, rising from 7,586 in the 2024-2025 academic year to 19,941 in 2025-2026 across the country's five locations.

Total participation, including both centres and in-person courses, increased from 9,985 to 22,413 users. In-person course numbers grew modestly from 1,599 to 1,672, while centre demand surged. Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Mònica Bonell presented the data alongside a new campaign on Thursday, emphasizing the centres as a flexible alternative for those unable to secure spots in scheduled classes or facing time constraints.

The campaign, "Come to the Catalan centres and get the most out of them," will run from September 14 to October 16. It targets social media, the Language Policy Department's website, posters, and leaflets in libraries, public buildings, and newcomer areas. Produced by GECOM for €6,661, it aims to promote self-guided learning with teacher support.

Language Policy Department Director Joan Sans described the centres as spaces offering professional guidance at any time, without fixed schedules. Users register and work at their level—from A1 to C1—using materials aligned with classroom groups and digital tools. They prepare for the same official exams as in-person students, with comparable outcomes.

To accommodate demand, La Massana and Encamp centres will extend hours to 8:30am-8:30pm, matching Escaldes-Engordany. Canillo will operate three days weekly, up from two, and Pas de la Casa two days, up from one.

Bonell noted that in-person waiting lists persist but attributed steady enrolment to growing awareness of centre options. The team has expanded to 23 professionals, with one vacancy remaining—deemed sufficient for current needs. She acknowledged recruitment challenges for Catalan language specialists, shared with Catalonia, and called for incentives to attract students to Catalan philology studies.

Sans added that the guided model is gaining traction, reducing pressure on traditional classes. Bonell plans to renew the campaign each academic year to sustain momentum.