Several projects across the country have shown that engagement between toddlers and the elderly benefits the two age groups in many ways.
It’s wonderful to see some of the Mentrau Iaith organising projects and events to bring these young and older generations together in order to use the Welsh language and enjoy together.
A warm welcome
The Estyn Croeso group came out of the pilot ‘Caffi Stori’ project, a group of people of all ages who met to socialise with an emphasis on using the Welsh language. Due to the success of that initiative the group has continued to meet monthly at Treuddyn Village Hall under a new name, Estyn Croeso; with the youngest attendee only a few months old and the oldest almost 90 years old.
With the help of one of the Menter Iaith Flint and Wrexham projects, the Bilingual Community Development Project, the Estyn Croeso group has now established an official community committee and plans to organise a number of exciting and fun events over the next year. On Friday, August 16th, a fun afternoon was held at Treuddyn Village Hall, an event to bring the young and old together. Other activities are already planned for the coming year including an Afternoon Tea in early September. An Estyn Croeso Fun Afternoon attendee said;
“I am very pleased to see the hall full of excitement with the young children enjoying themselves, and the mums getting to know each other and chatting.”
Schools and care homes collaborate
Here are a couple of pictures of the children and elderly of the county of Swansea enjoying spending time togother. Hen Blant Bach is a hugely successful Menter Iaith Abertawe project where children from Welsh-medium primary schools go out to local elderly people’s homes. Over the past few months, Rhian, the project coordinator, has met countless characters. The project finished before the Summer but everyone looks forward to starting again in September.
