Blaenau Gwent Council is asking for feedback to help shape its Welsh in Education Strategic Plan, which sets out how it aims to increase the use of the Welsh language across the borough of Blaenau Gwent.
The Plan’s overarching aim is to work with a range of partners to create a ‘Blaenau Gwent community who embrace the Welsh language and culture with confidence and pride.’
The Plan, which will run from September 2022 to September 2032 is currently in draft form and an online consultation is running until Monday, 3rd January 2022. Views from residents and a range of stakeholders including schools; governing bodies; the Welsh Education Forum, neighbouring local authorities, further education institutions, the Welsh Language Commissioner, Estyn and early years’ teams, will help to inform the final plan which will then be sent to the Welsh Government for final approval.
The Council remains fully supportive of the Welsh Government’s ambitions for the Welsh language and its national strategy ‘Cymraeg 2050: a million Welsh speakers.’
Councillor Joanne Collins. The Council’s Executive Member for Education said:
“This is an exciting time for the Welsh language in Blaenau Gwent. We are committed and have the opportunity to further enhance our education system, and are in a strong position to facilitate continued growth and development of both Welsh language and education, in working towards Cymraeg 2050.
“We have a clear vision, aim and goals which are ambitious and will secure the standards of provision which our learners and families deserve. We also have a very strong partnership in the Welsh Education Forum, along with neighbouring authorities. Working together we can and will build upon the successes of the Blaenau Gwent Welsh in Education Strategic Plan 2017-20.”
The consultation is now live on the Council’s website, find out more here.