Author Archives: Ruth Richards

A REQUEST AN EXPLAINATION FROM THE EDUCATION MINISTER

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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.

DYFODOL’S RESPONSE TO THE NEW LOCAL GOVERNMENT MAP

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While acknowledging the challenges facing local government in Wales, Dyfodol i’r Iaith have been pressing for serious consideration to be given to the Welsh language throughout the process of re-drawing the boundaries of the new local authorities.

This has been a process which potentially offers both opportunities and threats in relation to promoting the Welsh language; its public status, Service provision and establishing administrations and workforces where due emphasis and value is given to the language.

The boundaries announced today pose a challenge in terms of extending the use of Welsh throughout the new authorities, and Dyfodol will continue to lobby and work together towards ensuring improvement rather than decline following the announcement of the new map.

Heini Gruffudd, Dyfodol’s Chair said:

“It is essential that we protect the good work that’s has already been achieved, and through this, establish a basis for sharing and working towards good practice.

As a first step, Dyfodol i’r Iaith would seek an assurance that any new authority established in the north west adopts the Welsh language as its internal administrative medium, as is currently the situation in Gwynedd.”

Serious consideration should be given to boundaries that would be appropriate for promoting Welsh-medium administration. There is a strong argument in terms of language policy for the north to have three councils: Gwynedd and Anglesey, Denbighshire and Conwy and Flint and Wrexham.”

DYFODOL I’R IAITH’S OPPOSITION TO HOUSING PLAN

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Dyfodol i’r Iaith have stated their opposition to a plan to raise 69 new houses in Coetmor, Bethesda. The plan will be discussed by Gwynedd Council’s Planning Committee next Monday (June 15th), and the Planning Department have recommended that it be approved.

Dyfodol believes that this plan is totally inappropriate and insensitive to the linguistic needs and profile of the area. According to the 2011 Census, Bethesda is one of the areas where the Welsh language continues to hold its ground, with over 70% of the community able to speak the language.

The organisation has suggested that its members in Gwynedd express their opinion on this matter by joining the Pwyllgor Diogelu Coetmor (Coetmor Preservation Committee)’s protest, which will meet outside the Council Chamber before the Planning Committee.

Heini Gruffudd, Dyfodol i’r Iaith’s Chair said:

“It is essential that we safeguard the Welsh language in its heartlands, and take every practical step to ensure that it remains the natural medium of communication within these communities.

This case illustrates the key relationship between planning policy and protecting community language. It also demonstrates the importance of the recent victory in relation to the new Planning Bill, which allows consideration of the Welsh language within individual planning applications. This was a victory for which Dyfodol had lobbied earnestly.