Over £7m to support the next generation of Welsh speakers

The Minister for Education and Welsh Language has announced over £7m will be invested in 11 Welsh medium education and childcare projects across Wales.

This funding will increase opportunities for Welsh medium education, which is key to the Welsh Government’s goal of reaching one million Welsh speakers by 2050.

The projects announced today will help bring opportunities to more pupils, from early years through to secondary schools to develop their Welsh language skills. Ysgol Llanfawr in Anglesey will receive funding for a new childcare unit, with 50 Welsh Medium childcare places to nurture a new generation of Welsh speakers.

Some projects can also support local communities to use more Welsh. Ysgol Gymraeg Gwynllyw in Torfaen has secured funding for a floodlit 3G pitch suitable for sports and activities to take place within the school day, which would also bring initiatives to grow the use of the Welsh language to the local community in the evenings, weekends and during school holidays.

The Minister, Jeremy Miles, said:

“I’m pleased to see the plans for new projects which will support children and young people of all ages right across Wales. If we’re going to achieve our ambitious goal of a million Welsh speakers by 2050, it is crucial we put the next generation at the heart of our plans.

“My message is clear, I want Welsh-medium education to be an option for everyone and I want everyone to have the opportunity to be bilingual citizens of Wales.”