Menter Iaith Môn, has been successful in securing £250,000 funding from the Community Renewal Fund through the UK Government to boost, promote and support the Welsh language on Anglesey. The Menter iaith is part of a network of initiatives across Wales who work within communities for the benefit of the Welsh language.
In a joint application with the Isle of Anglesey Council, the aim of the scheme is to trial new ways of promoting the Welsh language by supporting its use locally and improving Welsh language skills. The scheme has already been launched with funds being put to good use, with £140,000 allocated to 40 community and voluntary groups on the island.
Elen Hughes, Senior Officer at Menter Iaith Môn explains: “We’re delighted to receive this funding – it will make a huge difference to the impact of our work on the island, and it means that we can support even more groups and organisations which are key to securing the future of the language here on Anglesey.
“Like many areas across Wales, the Welsh language is always facing new challenges. And although we are yet to receive the results of the latest census, we already know that passing on the language from one generation to another is an area of concern. We can use this money to look at new ways of promoting Welsh language activities and creating excitement and interest around the language and our work as an organisation.”
One of the local groups which will benefit from the funding is Cylch Meithrin Rhoscolyn. All the children at the nursery come from households where English is the first language. Mair Williams is the treasurer and believes this financial support will allow them to increase their provisions to include more parents in activities. She said: “We’re very grateful for this money. We’re confident it will allow us to draw in more non-Welsh language families to take part and to register their children with us, which will help strengthen the Welsh language in the area.”
Another organisation to receive support is The Iorwerth Arms, Bryngwran. Simon Wareham, a director at The Iorwerth Arms welcomed the news: “Thanks to this funding we can go ahead with plans and arrange Welsh language events and concerts during the summer. We always work to improve what’s on offer here to attract new customers and to be at the heart of community activities here in Bryngwran, where the Welsh languages is so important.”
As well as supporting various groups, the Community Renewal Fund will be used to create new resources for families and young people and will offer support to businesses on the island to increase their use of the Welsh language.
Menter Iaith Môn is part of Menter Môn and works with partners in the Anglesey Language Forum which will all play a part in achieving the aims of this new project.
