Category Archives: The Assembly

THE LATEST BLOW? DYFODOL CONDEMS THREAT TO COLEG CYMRAEG CENEDLAETHOL

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Following a series of recent blows to spending on the Welsh language, Dyfodol i’r Iaith have expressed concern over possible threats to funding for the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol. This latest threat comes in the wake of the Welsh Government’s latest draft budget.

Heini Gruffudd, Dyfodol’s Chair said, “The Government’s draft budget has clearly shown a lack of respect and priority for the Welsh language. This latest announcement represents yet another threat; this time to a body which has done so much to develop and promote Welsh-medium university education across a range of subject areas.

We are facing a ridiculous situation where Welsh-medium education provision is under threat, yet the Government remains perfectly happy to spend money on supporting Welsh students to study in England.”

We look forward to discussing this matter at further length with the Government and the Higher Education Funding Body.”

 

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 WELCOMES MORE LANGUAGE CENTRES

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Dyfodol i’r Iaith gave a warm welcome to the First Minister, Carwyn Jones’s announcement that over £1.5 million will be made available to set up Welsh language centres across Wales.

Funding will be available for projects in Anglesey, Cardiff, Tregaron, Bangor, Cardigan and Pontardawe.

Dyfodol i’r Iaith believes that such centres are of key importance in regenerating the Welsh language. The success of the centres that have already been established demonstrates that they provide a means of establishing innovative, informal and fun networks for Welsh speakers and learners.

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

“We hope to see centres established throughout Wales, becoming powerhouses for the Welsh language. This announcement brings us a step closer to realising our vision. We also hope that this represents a first step towards a new and more expansive strategy for the teaching of Welsh for adults.”