Author Archives: Golygydd

Government asked to reconsider cuts in the Welsh Language budget

Dathlu’r Gymraeg, an umbrella group of Welsh language organisations, is calling on the Government to reconsider the budget cuts planned for the Welsh Language. The draft budget shows a significant drop in funding for the work of the Government in promoting the Welsh language in the community and for the Welsh Language Commissioner. It is proposed to reduce the budget from £ 8.6m to £ 6.9m. This is a proposed cut of 19% to the budget for projects to promote the language. To reduce the effect of such a cut the Government is proposing to set aside £1.2m from other budgets but this will not be sufficient to maintain the current funding.

Dathlu’r Gymraeg stated that the draft budget cuts strengthens the case for adopting a long-term target for investment in Welsh. In its manifesto for the Assembly elections it asks the parties to plan to invest 1% of the Welsh budget in initiatives to promote the Welsh language, the same percentage as the Basque Country which saw steady growth in the number of Basque speakers over recent decades.

Penri Williams, Chairman of Dathlu’r Gymraeg, representing over twenty Welsh language organisations said:

“These cuts will underline the need for the Welsh Government to set out targets in the future for the percentage of the budget to be invested in the Welsh language. The target of 1% follows the international best practice and demonstrates a clear commitment to it. As a minority language, there is a need for security and stability over a fairly long period in order to plan and get results. We have seen precedents in other areas on a British level, such as international development, and how such a target can offer long-term stability. For example, it is difficult to see how the Welsh Language Commissioner could effectively act independently if the cuts continue.

“Of course, there is considerable concern regarding the ability of the government to fulfill their objectives in terms of the Welsh language, if such cuts occur. Indeed, it is difficult to see how the budget meets the Government’s commitment to ensure the growth of the Welsh language. “

Dathlu’r Gymraeg is calling on the First Minister, Carwyn Jones, to ensure that the current expenditure on the Welsh language is maintained and ways are considered to expand the provision in the future.

The Scarlets and Welsh Whisperer shout out Shwmae Sumae 2015!

Logo Scarlets
Thursday, October 15 will be the third time Wales will be celebrating Shwmae Sumae Day and once again a huge variety of activities are being held across the country to encourage everyone to greet each other in Welsh on that day and give Welsh a go.

The aim of the campaign is:
– to make Welsh more prominent and public,
– show that the language belongs to everyone in Wales, regardless of their proficiency
– and consequently encourage the use of Welsh every day and all year round.

The campaign has been very lucky to be supported by a variety of people and organizations. This year our champions are the Welsh singer and entertainer the Welsh Whisperer, Gareth Wyn Jones, farmer and broadcaster from Llanfairfechan, Canolfan Soar who have revitalised the economy and the Welsh language in Merthyr Tydfil and Angharad Williams who run a ladies’ fashion business in Lampeter and Machynlleth.

Gareth Wyn Jones said:Gareth WJ
“I’m really pleased to be part of the Sumae campaign which encourages everybody to use as much Welsh as the have. Don’t be shy give it a go! I do my best to use the language on social network and on the media. As a farmer the Welsh language is an essential part of the fabric of rural communities and the agricultural industry. It’s important to use it every day. If we don’t, who will?”

The Welsh Whisperer, Môn FM Disc jockey and a man who’s entertained the masses in pubs, halls and cowsheds across Wales, said:

Welsh Whisp“I am delighted to be part of a campaign to promote the language and open doors to Welsh learners and encourage others to learn our language. It’s great to be part of the same campaign with Wales’ most famous farmer (no, not Dai Llanilar, but) Gareth Wyn Jones from Llanfairfechan! Both of us have felt the mountain dew, wear a flat cap, and are passionate about the language, our communities and Welsh beer of course. ”

Business woman, Angharad Williams said:
“ I’m really proud to support the message of Shwmae Sumae Day and start every conversation in Welsh. Using Welsh in a local business like Lan Llofft & Duet is essential in an area like Lampeter and we want to extend a Welsh welcome to all our customers whatever their grasp of the language is. Using the Welsh language to promote the business on our social media outlets was common sense, and as a result we have received even more support as our customers value our commitment to the language and want to support a local Welsh business. “

Angharad

Scarlets RFC will also be supporting Shwmae Sumae 2015 by holding an evening of entertainment on the following Friday, October 16 before the Leinster game. With the co-operation of Menter Gwendraeth Elli and others and Y Lle – Llanelli’s new Welsh language centre an array of entertainment will be put on for the whole of the family from 5 – 7pm before kick off. So make sure you pop over.

The Pembrokeshire Shwmae crew have organized the second Shwmae Awards awards ceremony after the resounding success of last year’s event.

Dathlu’r Gymraeg have seen communities and organisations across Wales take ownership of the day themselves. Its success lies in the enthusiasm of dynamic individuals such as the pupils of Bishop Mcgrath School, Bridgend who take it upon themselves to organise the day’s activities. Shwmae Sumae does not recieve any public funding or sponsorship and has grown from the grass-roots rather than the top down and long may it last!

Shwmae Sumae 2015

2015 ShwmaeShwmae and Sumae! It’s September again and we are gearing up for Shwmae Sumae 2015. By the way we are in the national psyche – the Lolfa Diary 2016. Hooray!

Shwmae Sumae 2014 was a great success, with celebrations taking place across Wales and beyond – in Pwllheli, Newport, Merthyr, Lampeter, Vienna, Patagonia, Bangor, Amlwch, Derby, Flintshire and Pembrokeshire. Everyone is working hard to raise the profile of the language, but most importantly to use and promote and encourage others to do so throughout the year.

Shwmae Sumae Day now has a momentum of its own and is spreading throughout the country via a variety of activities organised by schools, individuals and societies, just like a Mexican wave at the World Cup. It is very difficult to keep a track on all that happened, but by keeping an eye on the feedback on our Facebook page and Twitter account I’m sure that there were over 500 events held in 2014. So lets hope that there will be even more this year.

As you know the success and continuity of Shwmae Sumae day lies in your hands, so please let us know about your event by contacting our Facebook page and following us on Twitter . There are a number of tips and ideas on our facebook page and a list of last year’s event which may inspire you on our website event’s page

Please contact me if you want to discuss anything and remember – Give it a go!

Hwyl fawr

Gaynor

2015 Llun2gaynorjones@dathlu.org

Language groups call for Pantycelyn Hall to be saved

OVER twenty language organizations have written to the head of Aberystwyth University stressing the value and importance of Welsh language halls of residences as powerhouses to strengthen the Welsh language in communities across Wales, following the recent threats to Pantycelyn hall.

In light of the recent campaign to safeguard Pantycelyn Hall, the organizations which are members of the umbrella group Dathlu’r Gymraeg, have declared their support for the campaign and also call upon Welsh universities to ensure that the language needs and well-being of students are taken into account when making accommodation and residence arrangements for them. Sociolinguistic research by leading language experts’ shows that communities where over 70% of the population speak the language is vitally important in order to maintain it as a normal community language. Welsh medium halls of residence such as Pantycelyn, therefore, are crucial in developing and supporting students’ language patterns.

In a letter to the Chancellor of the University, Sir Emyr Jones Parry, Penri Williams, Chairman of Dathlu’r Gymraeg said,

“We call on organizations such as Aberystwyth University for a clear commitment to the basic principle of providing adequate Welsh language accommodation for students and recognize the need for such locations to include suitable common spaces that allows Welsh-medium social life to thrive. Therefore, we beg you not to close Pantycelyn Hall.

“Pantycelyn hall has come to claim an iconic status in Welsh public life and therefore its important should be respected and the potential of such sites harnessed to ensure that students from all parts of Wales are able to live their lives through the medium of Welsh in future. In fact, we need more locations of this kind, if the Welsh language is to flourish in the coming decades.

“We think that Aberystwyth University should unequivocally declare their commitment to maintain this vital Welsh hall of residence and ensure that all decisions on these issues will consider the language needs of their students fully.

“In agreeing to commit to these principles, we feel as organizations that the university can ensure

Conference 2016+

Cynhadledd2015Dathlu’r Gymraeg is organsing the Welsh Language Manifesto and Vision Conference 2016+ in the Urdd Centre, Cardiff Bay, on Tuesday, 16 June.

The aim of the Conference is to prepare a Maniffesto and Vision for the future of the Welsh language 2016+ which will include proposals to promote the language and secure its future in our communities.

To develop the strategies the conference will discuss

Poverty
Language Rights
Community
Education

The conference is open to everyone who is interested in contributing and proposing ideas for developing the Welsh language over the next five years.

For further information about the conference and for a registration form click here >

Cynhadledd 2015 Registration

Language groups’ plea ‘not to deprive a singlechild of the Welsh language’

Over a dozen individuals and organisations have urged the Education Minister to ensure any changes in the curriculum ensure that every child leaves school fluent in Welsh in an open letter released today (Monday, 23rd February).

The plea comes ahead of the publication of Professor Graham Donaldson’s review of the curriculum due to be published later this week. Among the signatories of the letter are Wales’ Archdruid Christine James, who has learnt Welsh herself, along with the heads of a number of organisations including the Mudiad Meithrin, Merched y Wawr, Mentrau Iaith Cymru and teachers’ union UCAC.

Referring to the new curriculum, the letter states: “We agree [with the government] that it needs to be founded on Welsh values, values of fairness and equality for every child – from whatever background they come. As organisations and people who promote the Welsh language day to day, we look forward to seeing how the report intends to deliver the First Minister’s ambition, as outlined by him in August last year namely the need for ‘all learners in Wales – whether they attend Welsh-medium or English-medium schools … to speak Welsh confidently’.

“We agree with Carwyn Jones that every child should be fluent in Welsh – it’s not fair to deprive a single child of the skill of being able to communicate in the language. We are extremely grateful that Professor Donaldson has already suggested that the Welsh language will be one of the founding principles in his recommendations for the new curriculum.

 

Dear Minister

We write to state our support for your aspirations for Graham Donaldson’s review of the curriculum. We agree that it needs to be founded on Welsh values, values of fairness and equality for every child – from whatever background they come. As organisations and people who promote the Welsh language day to day, we look forward to seeing how the report intends to deliver on the First Minister’s ambition, as outlined by him in August last year, namely the need for “all learners in Wales – whether they attend Welsh-medium or English-medium schools … to speak Welsh confidently”.

We agree with Carwyn Jones that every child should be fluent in Welsh – it’s not fair to deprive a single child of the skill of being able to communicate in the language. We are extremely grateful that Professor Donaldson has already suggested that the Welsh language will be one of the founding principles in his recommendations for the new curriculum.

While believing that we should not deprive any child of Welsh-medium education, we are completely supportive of Professor Sioned Davies’ recommendations regarding how the language is taught in English-medium schools at the moment. We look forward to seeing how Graham Donaldson recommends implementing those proposals as soon as possible.

As Professor Davies stated in her report published in September 2013: “If we are serious about developing Welsh speakers, and about seeing the Welsh language thrive, a change of direction is urgently required before it is too late.”

We would like to draw your attention to two of Professor Davies’ recommendations we believe should be prioritised, namely:

“… use the National Literacy Framework for Welsh as a basis for a revised curriculum to include:one continuum of learning for Welsh with clear expectations for pupils learning Welsh in English-medium, bilingual and Welsh-medium settings … As a consequence the Welsh second language element of the Welsh programme of study would be removed along with the term Welsh second language.”

“… extend the use of Welsh as a medium of instruction in English medium primary schools; and set targets to increase the use of Welsh-medium learning across the curriculum, based on best practice, in English-medium schools.”

We hope there will be a chance, during the series of meetings the Government intends to hold after the publication of Professor Donaldson’s report, to discuss specifically with you and Professor Donaldson the implications of the recommendations. Certainly, we need to work together in order to plan for the growth in the number of Welsh speakers and the use of the language in our communities we all want to see over the years to come.

Yr eiddoch yn gywir,

Tegwen Morris, National Director, Merched y Wawr

Meirion Davies, Chair, Mentrau Iaith Cymru

CAER (The Education Society of the European Regions)

Dr Gwenllian Lansdown Davies, Chief Executive, Mudiad Meithrin

Craig ab Iago, Chair, Cynghrair Cymunedau Cymraeg (Welsh Communities Alliance)

Dr Huw Thomas, Welsh-medium schools specialist

Gerald Latter, Chair, Cronfa Glyndŵr yr Ysgolion Cymraeg

Eleri Roberts, Chair, Cymdeithas Cerdd Dant Cymru

Miriam Williams, President, Undeb Myfryrwyr Cymraeg Aberystwyth (UMCA)

Elaine Edwards, General Secretary, teachers’ union UCAC

Jamie Bevan, Chair, Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg

Lynne Davies, National Chair, RhAG (Parents for Welsh medium education)

Bethan Whittall ac Arwel George, CYDAG

Geraint Wyn Parry, Chief Executive, Cymdeithas Cyfieithwyr Cymru

Penri Williams, Chair, Dathlu’r Gymraeg – Celebrating Our Language

Professor Christine James, Archdruid of Wales

Strengthen Welsh Government Planning Bill

Dathlu’r Gymraeg calls on the Welsh Assembly to strengthen the Planning Bill, published by the Welsh Government to ensure that adequate consideration is given to the impact of planning on the Welsh language in our communities.2014m11CynllunioImg1263

The bill presented to the Assembly on 6 October 2014 does not change the status of the Welsh language within the planning system. There is only one note –  to ensure that the new “strategic planning panel” complies with the new Welsh language standards.

Dathlu’r Gymraeg calls on the Welsh Assembly to amend the Bill to include

● making Welsh a relevant planning consideration throughout Wales so that planning applications can be refused on the basis of their impact on the language;

● to make language impact assessments a statutory requirement for certain developments;

● establish a Planning Tribunal for Wales, to replace the existing Planning Inspectorate;

● set a path and framework to allow the Welsh language to become the main community language throughout the country; and

● establish that the purpose of the planning system is to meet local needs, instead of reaching national housing targets based on historical patterns and to manage land in an environmentally sustainable way, tackling poverty and promoting Welsh

The summary of the deliberations of the Conference Onn Welsh Language issued in July 2013 called for changes to the planning system and stated that population movement is the ‘greatest current challenge’ to the language.

The 2011 Census showed a decrease in the number of electoral divisions where over 70% of the population speak Welsh: with a reduction from 54 communities in 2001 to 39 in 2011. There was a fall in the number of people in Wales aged over 3 speaking Welsh, from 20.76% of the population in 2001 to 19% in 2011.

In August 2014 the Prime Minister announced a policy document “Bwrw Mlaen” where he promised to consider “all practical measures for strengthening the Welsh language within the planning system “.

The Welsh Language Commissioner sentwritten advice to the Government on the Bill stating that only half of the Welsh county councils have included Welsh language policies in their local development plans.

The national housing targets will create problems for the Welsh language and dissatisfaction in many communities such as in Bodelwyddan, Carmarthenshire and Gwynedd. Housing targets need to be removed and replaced by a system based on local needs only.

We call on the Government and the Assembly to include full consideration of the Welsh language in the Planning Bill.

Shwmae Sumae! October 15th 2014

Shwmae Su’mae 2014 (#DSS2014) was launched in the Eisteddfod in August and we are confident that more will join in the celebration this year on 15th October.

Shwmae Sumae 15HydrefThere was an overwhelming response to the first Diwrnod Shwmae Sumae Day in 2013. Up to a 150 activities took place from the Andes to Ysgol Brynmawr. Schools, businesses, Welsh learner groups and various societies took the day to heart, infusing the events with boundless energy.

There were rapping workshops in Ceredigion, flashmobs in Crymych and coffee mornings from Creigiau to Dyffryn Nantlle. Things are simmering away nicely for this year’s celebrations with an awards ceremony in Pembrokeshire to recognise the achievements of those who have contributed most to the Welsh language in the county. Whilst at Archbishop McGrath High School, Brackla the pupils are already brimming with ideas for October 15th.

It is a grassroots campaign that operates without any sponsorship showing that the Welsh language belongs to everyone.

Catrin Dafydd, of Dathlu’r Gymraeg said: “Last year was an inspiration and has had a positive knock on effect. As a result of one coffee morning the parents in a school decided to hold Welsh classes to encourage each other to learn the language.

“Dathlu’r Gymraeg hopes that communities across Wales will take ownership of day once again. Some Welsh Adult Learning Centres are already busy organizing events for the day. Shwmae Sumae Day is a day when everyone is encouraged to have confidence in speaking Welsh.

“The Welsh language belongs to everyone who has chosen to make Wales their home, and we, the people of Wales have the power to keep the language alive. Everyone can be a part of the journey from the moment they say “Shwmae” or “Su’mae” at the beginning of a conversation, however fluent we are. ”

For more information, or if you would like to attend the launch, please contact: Gaynor Jones, 07775 847710/ 01554 833902

Diwrnod Shwmae Sumae 2014 kicks off in the Sosban’s square mile

Ysgol yr Andes2013Monday August 4th will see the launch of Diwrnod Shwmae Sumae Day 2014 in the Maes D pod at the National Eisteddfod which his being held in Llanelli,Carmarthenshire. The umbrella group Dathlu’r Gymraeg will launch the campaign in to celebrate the second Shwmae Sumae Day (DSS2014) which once again will take place on October 15th.

The launch will also introduce this year’s language ambassadors who will include Martyn Croydon, 2013 Learner of the Year, renowned bard and brewer, Myrddin ap Dafydd, S4C presenter Angharad Mair and the author Bethan Gwanas with many more to be confirmed during the campaign.

There was an overwhelming response to the first Diwrnod Shwmae Sumae Day in 2013. Up to a 150 activities took place from the Andes to Ysgol Brynmawr. Schools, businesses, Welsh learner groups and various societies took the day to heart, infusing the events with boundless energy.

There were rapping workshops in Ceredigion, flashmobs in Crymych and coffee mornings from Creigiau to Dyffryn Nantlle. Things are simmering away nicely for this year’s celebrations with an awards ceremony in Pembrokeshire to recognise the achievements of those who have contributed most to the Welsh language in the county. Whilst at Archbishop McGrath High School, Brackla the pupils are already brimming with ideas for October 15th.

It is a grassroots campaign that operates without any sponsorship showing that the Welsh language belongs to everyone.

Catrin Dafydd, of Dathlu’r Gymraeg said: “Last year was an inspiration and has had a positive knock on effect. As a result of one coffee morning the parents in a school decided to hold Welsh classes to encourage each other to learn the language.

“Dathlu’r Gymraeg hopes that communities across Wales will take ownership of day once again. Some Welsh Adult Learning Centres are already busy organizing events for the day. Shwmae Sumae Day is a day when everyone is encouraged to have confidence in speaking Welsh.

“The Welsh language belongs to everyone who has chosen to make Wales their home, and we, the people of Wales have the power to keep the language alive. Everyone can be a part of the journey from the moment they say “Shwmae” or “Su’mae” at the beginning of a conversation, however fluent we are. ”

For more information, or if you would like to attend the launch, please contact: Gaynor Jones, 07775 847710/ 01554 833902

Dathlu’r Gymraeg Membership:

CAER, Coleg Cymraeg, Cronfa Glyndwr, Cwlwm Cyhoeddwyr Cymru, CYDAG, Friends of the Earth, Cymdeithas Alawon Gwerin, Cymdeithas Bob Owen, Cymdeithas Cerdd Dant Cymru, Cymdeithas Cyfieithwyr Cymru, Cymdeithas y Cymod, Cymdeithas yr iaith Gymraeg, Eglwys Bresbyteraidd Cymru Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru, Merched y Wawr, Mentrau iaith Cymru, RhAG, UAC, UCAC, UMCA, UMCB, Urdd Gobaith Cymru

Follow us on: www.shwmae.org

Facebook: Diwrnod Shwmae Sumae 2014

Twitter: @shwmaesumae

#DSS2014

White Paper on Special Learning Needs

Special Learning Needs – but no consideration for the language needs

DATHLU’R GYMRAEG, an umbrella group of Welsh language organisations, has criticised a Welsh Government White Paper to reform the support for children and young people with Additional Learning Needs.

Penri Williams, Chairman of Dathlu’r Gymraeg stated “Although the proposals are generally sensible, the White Paper is totally lacking in relation to that of language needs. Except for one brief reference to the Government’s Welsh-medium Education Strategy, no other reference is made to the Welsh language in the document.

“Additional Learning Needs is an area where we know from experience that families have difficulties in accessing Welsh language provision. Reform of current legislation offers a golden opportunity to ensure better provision – and for the right to receive services in Welsh. But the Welsh Government has failed to take advantage of this opportunity, or even acknowledge the existing barriers and current demand.

“The complete lack of attention to the Welsh language needs of the children was a shock, and we, as joint organisations, urge the Government to ensure that appropriate references are made in the draft Bill when it is published in the autumn. “