Category Archives: Education

DYFODOL’S EISTEDDFOD

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Thank you to everyone who made this such a memorable Eisteddfod for us: to those who contributed to our presentations and talks, those who provided entertainment or who simply came over for a chat and to discuss our work with us.

PRESENTATIONS

We delivered two presentations from the stage of Pabell y Cymdeithasau, including a timely and positive discussion on the contribution of local government to the strategy of Cymraeg 2050. We believe that it is both practical and necessary for the local authorities in the Welshest areas (Anglesey, Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire, as well as Gwynedd) to adopt Welsh as its internal administrative medium. Dyfrig Siencyn from Gwynedd and Peter Hughes-Griffiths from Carmarthenshire discussed the challenge and reality of achieving this, with Gwerfyl Pierce Jones chairing the meeting.

Cynog Dafis and Dr Kathryn Jones of Iaith Cyf. outlined the importance of Language Planning and robust, appropriate management structures if we are to formulate a comprehensive strategy which will produce the right circumstances and goodwill to allow growth for the language. This is the cornerstone of our approach, and we hope that this presentation will provide a basis for further discussion. It was good to note that this was being discussed within the context of positive developments, such as the Welsh Minister’s recent statement that language expertise will be called upon as the next steps are being planned for the regeneration of the language.

DISCUSSIONS

We welcomed a range of experts to share their thoughts and experiences with visitors to our stall. Gareth Pierce discussed education needs; Owen Evans, Chief Executive of S4C, outlined the future of the channel; and Simon Brooks and Wyn Thomas introduced the problems facing the Welsh language in the context of the planning system.

ENTERTAINMENT

Following all the discussion, it was pleasant to relax and enjoy the programme of mid-afternoon entertainment which we’d arranged again this year. Thank you to all the fantastic musicians who brought us such joy during the week!

DYFODOL CALLS FOR THE WELSH MINISTER TO INTERVENE TO PROTECT EDUCATION POSTS

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Dyfodol i’r Iaith has called for the Welsh Language Minister, Eluned Morgan to intervene in order to protect key posts within Bangor University’s School of Education.

Dyfodol understands that the University intends to cut the School’s bilingiual staff. This would be a blow to the expansion of Welsh-medium education at a critical time, when the need for Welsh-medium teachers is at crisis point.

Heini Gruffudd, Dyfodol’s Chair said:

“If we are serious about creating a million Welsh speakers by the middle of the century, then clearly, training Welsh-medium teachers across all curriculum subjects is going to be essential if we are to reach the target. We should be increasing and not cutting back on this provision. Since these cuts undermine the Government’s strategic aims, we have contacted the Minister to ask that she intervenes immediately in this matter.”