A REQUEST AN EXPLAINATION FROM THE EDUCATION MINISTER

Dyfodol i’r Iaith are asking the Education Minister, Huw Lewis, to explain his views on the Government’s Welsh Education Strategy. This follows his response to the Welsh Language Commissioner, Meri Huws, when he stated there was no need to be tied to figures.

Heini Gruffudd,  Dyfodol i’r Iaith’s Chair said  “The Education Minister needs to state clearly his position on his own Government’s Welsh Education Strategy. This Strategy notes specific targets for the growth of Welsh language education, but the Minister doesn’t seem to be concerned by this.”

“We wonder whether the Minister has consulted with the Prime Minister, who is also responsible for the Welsh language on this matter?”

“The Education Minister claims that the new curriculum will change our way of thinking about Welsh education. Does this mean the end of Welsh language schools? In Wales, every attempt to teach Welsh in bilingual classrooms have failed in comparison to Welsh-medium classes. Huw Lewis needs to state his intentions clearly.”

Dyfodol recognises the growth of Welsh-medium education as one of the most important elements in the regeneration of the language, and there is plenty of evidence that parents in Wales also support this aim.