The Development of Menter Iaith Sirol Caerffili

Menter Iaith Bwrdeistref Sirol Caerffili was established in December 1999 to raise the profile of the Welsh language across the county in every aspect of community life. The Menter is promoting the use of the Welsh language by working in partnership with societies, establishments, businesses, learners, youth and schools in the area. The purpose of the Menter is to increase the opportunities for people in the area to use the Welsh language in a variety of ways.

The Menter is managed by a Management Committee of individuals who work or live in the county. In Mai 2000 Lowri Pugh was appointed as Development Officer to implement the work of the Menter.

Menter Iaith Sirol Caerffili receives financial aid from the Community Regeneration Fund of Caerphilly County Borough Council and a grant from the Welsh language Board.

Activities

By now the Menter is active in a variety of areas and sectors. The last year, the Menter's first year, was a very important and successful period. It was a time to establish and define the role of the Menter in the County. Research was carried out into the profile of the Welsh language in order to find the weak spots in the provision of Welsh language facilities. Two particular projects were undertaken, an audit of Welsh language activities and a data base of Welsh speakers in the area. The two projects were and opportunity to co-operate closely with Caerphilly County Borough Council and particularly it Welsh Language Officer. As a result of this partnership the result of the audit was published in the form of a map which shows the Welsh language provision in every community sector from recreation to nurseries and Welsh courses. Our aim for the data base was 500 names and after achieving this target we are still continuing to collect names to enable us to ensure that learners and Welsh speakers receive regular information about activities, services and the Menter's projects.

Youth

In Partnership with Urdd Gobaith Cymru and Caerphilly County Borough Council we are developing a project for the youth of the area. By October we hope to employ a Youth Officer to provide help and activities for the youth of the county.

Welsh Learners

The provision for learners is a central part of the Menter's work and we have organised a number of social activities for them in various parts of the county. Although there are a large number of courses for the learners of the county, the opportunities to socialise in Welsh and gain confidence are scarce. Also the Menter as part of the Morgannwg Gwent Group of Menter has received £1000 to be distributed to learner. Last year therefore a HSBC Small Grants Scheme for Learners was established and grants were distributed to over 40 learners as contribution towards the cost of lessons, courses and material. We have secured sponsorship again this year from HSBC and the scheme will be restarting soon. In association with the Welsh in the Workplace Officer we are also encouraging bodies and local businesses to develop Welsh in the Workplace courses.

Child Care

By working in partnership with Chwarae Teg and the Caerphilly County Child Care Partnership we are establishing after school child care clubs in the area's Welsh schools. Two will be opening in September and a further two in January. These developments are part of the Menter's plan to develop the Welsh language provision in the field of summer play schemes and care before school.

Training and Advice

The Menter Iaith Sirol Caerffili has arranged training sessions on Equal Opportunity for the staff of the County Council, schools and other bodies. It is proposed to develop this training in the future and offer it to a variety of bodies in the private and voluntary sectors. The Menter is also operating as an information centre and is able to offer advice and links for individuals and bodies in the county.

Contact Lowri Catrin Pugh, Development Officer, 01443 820913 / menter@caerffili.org

July 2001