Members of Fforwm Iaith Ynys Môn (Anglesey’s Welsh language forum) have announced their commitment to young people on the island as they consider ways of promoting the Welsh language locally over the next few years. In a recent meeting in Llangefni, there were presentations by the Isle of Anglesey County Council’s Learning service and Bangor University regarding this crucial subject, looking specifically at the fields of education and young people’s services.
It was noted how Ysgol Davide Hughes has been awarded Siarter Iaith Gwynedd a Môn (Gwynedd and Anglesey Welsh language charter) accreditation and it was reported how work in language centres, ensuring that those that aren’t able to speak Welsh or have received Welsh medium education are able to be immersed over a 12 week programme.
In a statement Isle of Anglesey County Council leader, Councillor Gary Prichard said:
“Ensuring that all young people on Anglesey have the opportunity to become confident Welsh speakers is one of our top priorities. As a forum, we are keen to show young people the value of their Welsh language skills and the local employment opportunities that come with them.”
Natalie Lloyd Jones, Welsh Language Officer for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said:
“It’s important that our service has Welsh-speaking staff so we can uphold our commitment to providing a bilingual emergency response. Recruiting people with the right skills can be challenging, so it’s encouraging to see schools, colleges, and the university working strategically to build a future workforce of confident Welsh speakers.”
The aim of the forum is to bring together education, culture, public service and community organisations together in order to share ideas, plan projects and collaborate on initiatives that strengthen use of the Welsh language in the community. Members include Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Mudiad Meithrin, the Urdd, North Wales Police, Grŵp Cynefin, and many others.
You can contact the forum by e-mailing Welsh@anglesey.gov.wales, visiting its Facebook page or its webpage.
