A new term of ‘Clwb Cwtsh’ Welsh taster courses is about to start
The second year of the ‘Clwb Cwtsh’ – Welsh taster courses for the parents and carers of young children – is about to start.
The scheme is the result of a partnership between early years specialists Mudiad Meithrin and the National Centre for Learning Welsh. The free scheme uses games and songs to introduce the Welsh language.
The scheme is made up of eight-week courses, which are available in communities across Wales. Parents and carers are welcome to take their young children with them, as Mudiad Meithrin provides entertainment at each session.
More information on the scheme can be found here, along with a list of local contacts.
Pop star Ian ‘H’ Watkins, a member of the group Steps, and versatile Welsh-language writer and performer, Caryl Parry Jones, are among the scheme’s supporters.
‘H’, who is learning Welsh and is the father of two-year-old twins, Macsen and Cybi, says: “I had no doubts about bringing up the boys bilingually and I can’t wait to hear them talking in Welsh. I didn’t have the opportunity to speak the language during my childhood in Cwm Parc, Rhondda and it was vital for me to give this gift of being able to speak two languages to Macs and Cybi.”
Dr Gwenllïan Lansdown Davies, Mudiad Meithrin Chief Executive says: “Since we started ‘Clwb Cwtsh’ we have received a great response across Wales. The fact that children can come to the sessions with their families has been welcomed. We are looking forward to expanding the provision of this exciting scheme at grass roots level.”
Efa Gruffudd Jones, Chief Executive of the National Centre for Learning Welsh, says: “By working in collaboration with Mudiad Meithrin we can offer a new way for families to start learning Welsh. These fun and informal courses introduce vocabulary to use in the home and we hope families across Wales take up this opportunity to start their Welsh language journey with us.”
The courses were developed by Nia Parry, a well-known presenter of S4C programmes, including programmes for Welsh learners.
