Cymru - language education plans

The Welsh Assembly Government in Caerdydd/Cardiff has said last week that it is in the process of developing a strategic approach to creating a Federal College system for Wales where more students will be able to learn through the medium of Welsh.

Plaid Cymru Minister, Rhodri Glyn Thomas, who holds the Welsh language portfolio for the Government, said that the Assembly is also working on a National Welsh-medium Education Strategy for local authorities mso they can meet the growing demand for Welsh language education. Both plans were highlighted in the Welsh coalition Government's 'One Wales' document produced last year, following a deal struck by Plaid and the Labour Party to share power in Wales.

The public will now have to wait to see how far reaching the Welsh language education plans are. Earlier this year many people were let down by the limited funding made available by the Welsh Government, for the Welsh language daily newspaper 'Y Byd', which finally led to the collapse of the initiative. The 'One Wales' document had promised to support the establishment of the first Welsh language daily newspaper, but the funding package offered was far short of the expected amount necessary to launch the newspaper.

In case the Welsh Government does not meet the promises set out in 'One Wales' this time, campaigners are still keeping the pressure up with the creation of an online petition. The petition aims to promote Welsh language rights at university level and reads:

"Nid ywr sefyllfa bresennol yn gweithio felly maen rhaid i bethau newid. Maer nifer o fyfyrwyr syn siarad Cymraeg yn cynyddu tu fewn i brifysgolion Cymru. Felly maen amser i siaradwyr Cymraeg cael yr un hawliau a cyfleuoedd a phob myfywriwr arall.

The present situation isnt working so things have to change. The number of Welsh Speaking Students within universities within Wales is increasing. Welsh Speakers should have equal rights and opportunities to every other student"

The petition can be signed by following the link (voir le site) and is aiming for 1000 signatures.

The Celtic League hopes that the Welsh Government will make provision for new educational language rights for Welsh speakers at university in their plans, so that the petition is not needed.

(Article prepared for Celtic News by Rhisiart Tal-e-bot)

J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

07/05/08