O BYDDED I'R HENIAITH BARHAU Working to increase and strengthen the use of Welsh in our communities
“The Mentrau Iaith (Welsh Language Enterprises) work within the community to increase and strengthen the use of Welsh. As well as being grass-roots initiatives the Mentrau are professional identities applauded for good practice and governance. Thanks to our committed and enthusiastic volunteers we answer to the needs of the community and work with people in their local areas, giving everyone ownership of the Welsh language. O bydded i'r heniaith barhau!� Lowri Jones, Mentrau Iaith Cymru Chair
Who are we? 22 initiatives working in our communities across Wales Increasing and strengthening the use of Welsh by supporting, creating, organising and signposting towards activities and services Helping us to live, learn and enjoy in Welsh
Our story The first Menter Iaith was established in 1991 by a group of individuals in the Gwendraeth Valley who saw the use of Welsh in their area de-crease. They were answering a need to strengthen Welsh language community activities and so they acted voluntarily. Soon after, many Welsh language initiatives were established across Wales, as community enterprises growing from grass roots.
Statistics Here's a look at some of the network's statistics in 2018-19
£7,500,000
Turnover
90,000
£5,000,000
attendees (adults)
£2,500,000
262
Welsh Government Core Grant
workers
£0
12 , 0 0 0
1,100
100,000
volunteers
attendees (children)
activities
Our users
family
"In my opinion it's important to play games in Welsh at the Caerphilly Video Games Club because it gives us more chances to speak Welsh." Evan Sharp, Caerphilly Video Games Club
children
"It’s very important to me that my children don’t miss out on this opportunity and become confident Welsh speakers. I had some worries about my little boy going into school with very little knowledge of Welsh. I try my best to incorporate it at home with the little bits I know...but your presentation reassured me that this is actually the best way for him to learn." Parent, Benllech
"Being able to do outdoor activities in Welsh and gain a qualification on the course organised by the Menter has shown me that the language is worth it. Welsh has been an advantage to find work in the sector." Steffan Roberts, Ruthin
youth
"I live close to the border and without the Menter Iaith I would never have the chance to speak Welsh. I'm a full time carer so having an hour or two at the Menter's sessions is a golden chance to use my Welsh." Dafydd Sheppard, Newport
learners
community “It’s fantastic that the local Menter is developing the community centre. I look forward to attending activities organised by the community there.� Local counciller, Edward Thomas, Llandeilo
What you can do Volunteering means something different to everyone. But in its essence, volunteering means giving your time to aide others. Be it occasional or often, volunteering makes a difference.
Ways you can volunteer with your Menter Iaith: help learners by going to chat sessions steward at occasional events
help out in a club that interets you
be on a Menter committee or an event organising group in your area
"Volunteering with Menter Gorllewin Sir Gâr was great, and has opened many doors. I had a lot of fun, and it was a chance to develop so many different skills including organisation and communication. Volunteering at Gŵyl Canol Dre in Carmarthen was great for my CV and to promote the Welsh language." Cerys Wyn Thomas, volunteer, Menter Gorllewin Sir Gâr
"The Mentrau Iaith are volunteer organisations, with all our board members doing this voluntarily as they feel strongly about Welsh in their communities.” Huw Prys, Menter Iaith Conwy Chair
May our language endure Do you sing the last phrase of our anthem out loud? If you wish to see the language endure, here are some things you can do every day to strengthen the language in your community: Ask for Welsh language services Use native and indigenous names and words Use Welsh on social media Attend Welsh language events in your community Contribute to national Welsh language projects and of course you can volunteer with your local Menter Iaith!
The Mentrau Iaith wish to see... an opportunity for everyone to work through the medium of Welsh, across Wales
access to all services through the medium of Welsh
a chance for everyone to receive Welsh medium education through a Welsh perspective
an opportunity for everyone to use Welsh across Wales
communities where the Welsh language is used naturally in everyday life
Ble mae'ch Menter Iaith? 1
Menter Iaith Abertawe
2
Menter Iaith Sir Benfro
3
Menter Iaith Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen a Mynwy
4
Menter Bro Ogwr
5
Menter Iaith Bro Morgannwg
6
Menter Brycheiniog a Maesyfed
7
Menter Caerdydd
8
Menter Iaith Sir Caerffili
9
Menter Iaith Casnewydd
10
Menter Iaith Castell-nedd Port Talbot
11
Cered - Menter Iaith Ceredigion
12
Menter Iaith Conwy
13
Menter Cwm Gwendraeth Elli
14
Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych
15
Menter Dinefwr
16
Menter Iaith Fflint a Wrecsam
17
Menter Gorllewin Sir Gar
18
Hunaniaith - Menter Iaith Gwynedd
19
Menter Iaith Maldwyn
20
Canolfan a Menter Gymraeg Merthyr Tudful
21
Menter Iaith MĂ´n
22
Menter Iaith Rhondda Cynon Taf
www.mentrauiaith.cymru
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