Yearly Archives: 2014

Two Radio Stations

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MOVEMENT WELCOMES THE POSSIBILITY OF TWO WELSH MEDIUM CHANNELS

Dyfodol i’r Iaith, the Welsh Language Lobby Group, has welcomed the announcement by Betsan Powys, Editor Radio Cymru, that Wales could have two Welsh medium radio channels.

Heini Gruffudd, Chair of Dyfodol i’r Iaith said, “We presented evidence to the BBC calling for two Welsh Radio Channels – Radio Pawb and Radio Pop.  The aim is to have one traditional channel and one channel for younger listeners.”

“We are encouraged that some of Radio Cymru’s new programmes are popular, and Tomo has clearly made his mark in a short time, and Radio Cymru’s listening figures are rising.”

“The difficulty is satisfying all kinds of audiences at the same time.  In English there is a wide choice of channels, and it would be great for Welsh listeners to have a chance to choose the channel that appeals most to them.”

“It’s good to hear that technical developments could make it possible to have two Welsh medium channels, either under the BBC or run by independent broadcasters.”

Welsh and Sport

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CALL FOR CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE WELSH IN SPORTS   In congratulating Team Wales on their achievements in the Commonwealth Games, Dyfodol i’r Iaith is calling for a campaign to promote Welsh in sports. Heini Gruffudd, Chair of Dyfodol i’r Iaith, said, “it’s great to hear some of Wales’ athletes talking in Welsh on radio and television, showing that Welsh is a very living language in sports.” “The Urdd in arranging the Welsh Games has also given a strong lead in bringing the language to the heart of sports. “The need now is to ensure that sports, athletics and swimming and leisure activities are available through the medium of Welsh in all communities in every county in Wales. “It would be valuable for the Language Standards which the Government will set up in November to set targets for Local Authorities regarding giving Welsh activities for young people. “There is also a need for a language promotion campaign aimed at sports clubs. There are some excellent examples, such as Crymych Rugby Club which runs 11 teams through the medium of Welsh. “Some national bodies, such as the Football Association of Wales has a bilingual website and produces bilingual materials, but the Welsh Rugby Union has a largely English only presence. “We look forward to seeing the Language Commissioner and the First Minister working together to produce a comprehensive programme to further Welsh in the world of sport over the next few years.”

White Paper on Additional Learning Needs

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White Paper on Additional Learning Needs     In responding to the Welsh Government’s White Paper on Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Dyfodol i’r Iaith has expressed extreme disappointment that there is hardly any mention of the Welsh language in the document. Dyfodol  has offered many concrete suggestions as to how the Welsh language could be included in the ALN Bill in order to ensure that children and young people get the support that they need. Dyfodol’s suggestions include:

  • Including a clause on the face of the Bill ensuring the right for a child/young person to have support in Welsh
  • Including a clause in the Individual Development Plan (IDP) outlining in which language support should be provided
  • Including a clause in the Bill imposing a duty on local authorities, health boards and further education institutions to co-operate and share information in Welsh when that is required.
  • Including mandatory requirements in the Code of Practice regarding the Welsh Language including:
    • The right of children/young people and families to discuss the IDP in Welsh at any time in the process (preparing, review etc)
    • The right to to specialist support in Welsh (0-25) and ensuring linguistic progression and transition
    • The right to make and hear an appeal in Welsh (in local processes and Tribunal)
    • Provision regarding the Welsh language in relation to multi-agency working
    • Provision for workforce development to ensure an adequate supply of specialist staff who speak Welsh.
    • Independent advocacy in Welsh

Dyfodol i’r Iaith also recommends that the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol works with the Welsh Government to identfy where there is a shortage of skilled staff able to work in the ALN field in Welsh and to provide appropriate training courses in these fields. Estyn should also have the power to inspect how local authorities provide support in Welsh for children and young people with ALN and report on any failures to provide support. Ymateb Papur Gwyn Anghenion Dysgu Ychwanegol (Welsh only)