CERED, Menter Iaith Ceredigion (Ceredigion’s Welsh language initiative), has been shortlisted for a national Mentrau Iaith award. The Award Ceremony which will be held for the first time ever on January 22nd will celebrate the outstanding work of Mentrau Iaith, Welsh Language Initiatives, across Wales in promoting and increasing the use of Welsh in communities in Wales.
CERED which works with people of all ages to increase and develop the use of Welsh in Ceredigion has reached the top 3 for the ‘Community Development’ category on the basis of its work with Iwcadwli.
Iwcadwli is a ukulele orchestra based in Aberystwyth which was established by Steffan Rees, a Development Officer with CERED, in the autumn of 2018. Iwcadwli performs extensively at local events introducing Welsh music in a unique and fun way to both local audiences and visitors. Although rehearsals and the repertoire are Welsh, many of the orchestra’s members are Welsh learners who view Iwcadwli as an invaluable opportunity to gain confidence in using the Welsh language on a daily basis. The orchestra continues to go from strength to strength with Steffan organising additional sessions for those wanting to join the orchestra.
Non Davies, CERED Manager said, “The Iwcadwli Orchestra has been an unique opportunity to promote the Welsh language in Aberystwyth drawing members from all ages and backgrounds. The orchestra continues to grow in popularity and it is particularly encouraging to see members relishing the opportunity to socialise through the medium of Welsh. We are proud to have been nominated for a national award which not only acknowledges the success of the work but also offers an opportunity to celebrate that success.”
Along with the categories 'Collaboration', 'Technology', ‘Event’ and 'Volunteers’, the winners will be announced at the Mentrau Iaith Celebration Evening at the Marine Hotel Aberystwyth on January 22nd, 2020.
The Mentrau Iaith work to strengthen the use of Welsh in communities across Wales with the aim of increasing the number of speakers to a million by 2050 in line with the Welsh Government’s strategy.
Minister for the Welsh Language, Eluned Morgan said, “Congratulations to everyone who has been nominated for an award. We invest over £2.5million in the Mentrau Iaith through the Welsh Language Hybu a Hyrwyddo Grant. Without the help of volunteers, the Mentrau Iaith would not be able to offer the wide variety of events throughout Wales. These events and interventions are vital in securing the future of the Welsh language. Thank you to everyone for their dedication.”
Find out more on this website: http://mentrauiaith.cymru/dathlur-mentrau-iaith/
14/01/2020