Mentrau Iaith Cymru welcomes the introduction of the Welsh Language and Education Bill and its aspiration for ‘every pupil to become a confident Welsh speaker through the statutory education system’. The network of 22 Mentrau Iaith (Language Initiatives) across Wales speak regularly to adults who regret not having had the opportunity to become Welsh speakers throughout the education system. And while the Mentrau Iaith provide opportunities for adults to use Welsh, to become more confident speakers, everyone knows that it is much easier to learn a language from an early age. But, alongside the efforts within the education system, children and young people need a holistic experience of Welsh. Without opportunities to use Welsh naturally and freely, young people will not become confident speakers no matter how effective the changes the education bill introduces. The Director of Mentrau Iaith Cymru says, ‘The role of the Mentrau Iaith in creating opportunities for young learners to be immersed in the Welsh language socially is vital. Take Tafwyl for example. It’s a great example of our Welsh music festivals across Wales that make the Welsh language relevant and create opportunities to use Welsh socially. The Mentrau Iaith also support schools across Wales to reinforce the informal use of Welsh, but there is so much more we could do’. There are many examples such as Menter Cwm Gwendraeth Elli, which supports Bryngwyn, an English medium secondary school, to introduce more Welsh to the children, but the Mentrau desperately need more resources if they are to support the new Education Bill properly. Dewi Snelson, Chair of Mentrau Iaith Cymru says, ‘We need a funding commitment from the Local Authorities and a more significant commitment from Welsh Government to enable us to create a holistic experience of the Welsh language for the children and young people of Wales, as well as their families. We have the links with the schools and the community across Wales, and the experience in creating language use, but we need more resources’.
An example of the work of a Menter Iaith increasing the awareness of young people of the Welsh language and identity in Bryngwyn School, Llanelli.
Tafwyl Crowds 2024: An example of the Menter Iaith music festivals creating Welsh spaces for children, young people and families across Wales.
Useful Information:
The Mentrau Iaith | Strengthening the Welsh language in the Community
Myfanwy Jones, Director of Mentrau Iaith Cymru, Myfanwy@mentrauiaith.cymru (07817 439460)
Dewi Snelson, Chair of Mentrau Iaith Cymru, dewi@mgsg.cymru