Category Archives: Education

DYFODOL WELCOMES EXTRA £30M FOR WELSH LANGUAGE EDUCATION, BUT EMPHASISES THE NEED FOR LONG-TERM INVESTMENT

Reply

Dyfodol i’r Iaith has welcomed the Government’s announcement of an extra£30m for the development of Welsh language education. The organisation’s Chair, Heini Gruffudd said:

“We are very pleased that the Government acknowledges the need to invest in Welsh language education and that this is essential contribution to the aim of creating a million Welsh speakers by 2050.”

He added however that such an investment would not be acceptable as a one-off payment and that financial support has to reflect a long-term committment to the development of Welsh language education:

“We would emphasise however that this committment is necessary on a regular annual basis if it is to make a real difference and support local authorities to plan robust provision in accordance with the timetable of their Welsh in Education Strategic Plans.

In the context of the Welsh 2050 Project, and its implications for education, the Government must accept that it has no other choice than to work strategically and support each essential step with regular and appropriate funding.”

DYFODOL DEMANDS ADEQUATE FUNDING FOR THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF WALES

Reply

Dyfodol has written to the Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism calling for adequate funding for the National Library of Wales. Here are our arguments:

We oppose any further cuts which will threaten the future of an establishment essential to the history, culture and indeed the identity of the nation.

At a time when history, culture and their interpretation are so important and when sincere and necessary efforts are made to highlight marginalised cultures and viewpoints, we believe that the concept of a National Library which safeguards all of Wales’s cultures becomes ever more important in terms of defining our identity and our place in the world.

As an organisation which lobbies for the good of the Welsh language, our priorities are based upon the history, literature and objects that relate to the language; this is what we wish to see protected and interpreted for future generations. We also recognise that any threat to the Library is also a threat not only to the history of our language but to all the cultures of Wales.

More and not less staff and resources are needed if the Library is to function inclusively. We also note and regret the loss of jobs within an organisation which always used to place an emphasis on Welsh as the language of the workplace.

We cannot see any justification for this harm and would be pleased to receive your comments on this disturbing situation.

PLANNING THE REGENERATION OF THE WELSH LANGUAGE CONSULTATION DISCUSSION POINT 2: CREATING WELSH SPEAKERS (i) THE EARLY YEARS

Reply

The second discussion point of our consultation on Planning the Regeneration of the Welsh Language is the key area of the early years.

As before, we would be very grateful to receive your comments, suggestions and any practical experience you may have of this work. You are welcome to use the questions and template below or send your comments in any other format that suits you.

We also note that the Welsh Government is currently conducting a consultation on a National Policy on Welsh language transmission and use in families (closing date 5th May, 2020). Perhaps you may also wish to contribute to this, and if so, then you are most welcome to share your comments with us as well.

Below is a summary of Dyfodol’s demands in relation to the provision of Welsh during the early years. If you would like to read the full text of Planning the Regeneration of the Welsh Language, a copy is available on our website, dyfodol.net

We look forward to hearing from you – do get in touch:

[email protected]

or telephone 01248 811798

 DISCUSSION POINT 2: CREATING WELSH SPEAKERS (i) THE EARLY YEARS

 The Principle:

The early years are of key importance in terms of establishing both fluency and the habit of using the language.

 DO YOU AGREE WITH THIS PRINCIPLE? HAVE YOU ANY COMMENTS TO MAKE?

The Aim:

  • During these years, the transference of the language through the home and family is of central significance – currently about 7% of homes are Welsh-speaking. We need to encourage and support parents to transmit the language to their children, The Twf plan (created by Cwmni Iaith Cyf, but now administered through Mudiad Meithrin) shows how this can be done.
  • In parallel with this, the use of the Welsh language needs to increase within the childcare system – in nursery classes but also the whole range of locations which provide care for young children. At this age, immersion rather than bilingualism is the fundamental principle. Much excellent work has already been done and the results have been impressive, but major gaps remain.

DO YOU AGREE WITH THE ABOVE AIMS?

WHAT HELP AND SUPPORT DO PARENTS AND CARERS NEED TO TRANSFER THE WELSH LANGUAGE IN THE HOME?

HOW CAN WE PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE WELSH-MEDIUM CHILDCARE FOR PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN?

HAVE YOU ANY EXPERIENCES OF PROMOTING EARLY YEARS USE OF THE WELSH LANGUAGE THAT YOU WOULD BE WILLING TO SHARE WITH US?

HAVE YOU ANY FURTHER COMMENTS ON PROMOTING THE WELSH LANGUAGE DURING THE EARLY YEARS?