Comann nam Pàrant Coinneamh Bhliadhnail/AGM

On the 19th June Comann nam Pàrant hold its Annual General Meeting over Zoom. "Holding a Zoom meeting was a first for us, but we are very pleased that it worked well. We had over 14 in attendance with representatives from across the country. We are very pleased that our 3 officer bearers, Helen MacKinnon from Glasgow as Chair, Fiona Stephens from Edinburgh as Vice Chair and Gill Steele
from Aberfeldy as Secretary, are willing to remain in their roles for another year. Marsaili Dow also continues in her role as treasurer. We would like to thank them and the rest of the committee for their continued hard work in representing the Gaelic Medium parents’ voice across the country. We were also delighted to welcome Emma Burrows from Portree to the committee, great to have a representative from the Isle of Skye. With the ongoing threat of COVID-19 we plan to continue utilising Zoom as our meeting platform which should also make it easier for members to attend meetings.
Edinburgh Gaelic week for schools Due to COVID-19 we had to cancel our Gaelic School’s week in Edinburgh at the end of April. We had almost 400 pupils registered this year, and we were looking
forward to seeing them. We have worked with Our Dynamic Earth, one of the venues that we visit every year, to produce online Gaelic resources for schools.
There are now eight worksheets translated into Gaelic which have bee sent round schools. Topics include,Rainforests, Fish, Antarctica and Clouds. We hope that these resources are useful for teachers and have given pupils the opportunity to receive exciting resources in Gaelic. If there is any teacher or school who hasn’t received these and would like a copy, then please contact – innes@cnag.org

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Naoned: The teaching of Breton is gaining ground in schools

After those of Marsauderies and Batignolles, the Camille Claudel school is the third public primary school in Nantes to offer a bilingual French-Breton stream. 517 students are currently enrolled in a bilingual stream in Nantes. 262 in the public (Marsauderies school, Batignolles school, Camille Claudel school, Rutigliano college), 197 in two Diwan association schools and 58 in the private sector, at Sainte-Madeleine school: The number of students almost doubled in Nantes in fifteen years

"They were much less a little less than twenty years ago", rejoices Pierre-Emmanuel Marais, municipal councilor at the town hall of Nantes in charge of cultural diversity. In 2005, still in Nantes, there were only 321. In particular, driven by the city (charter "Yes to the Breton language" signed in 2012), this increase is not limited only to the city of the dukes. There are also bilingual courses in Saint-Herblain, Blain, Saint-Nazaire, Savenay or even Guérande in the department.

In Camille Claudel, the opening should have been done a year ago, but there were too few registrations. "We knew it was an obstacle to go to a Rep + zone [reinforced priority education network], recognizes Pierre-Emmanuel Marais. Explain the French-Breton bilingual project to families who do not all speak French well, it was complicated. "Visant Roué, director in Nantes of the public office for the Breton language, explains that he did not have to convince the parents. “I informed them. In 2018, a socio-linguistic survey, launched by the Regional Council of Brittany, indicated that 82% of people questioned in Nantes were in favor of more teaching of Breton. "

More and more positions occupied by brittophones

Morgane, mother of Agathe, pupil of Camille Claudel, said to herself "why not? When we introduced him to the industry. "It's true that Breton is not used very much, admits this native Brestoise. But, we thought it was a great opportunity for our daughter, who doesn't have any particular difficulties. It develops culture, awakening and it will help in learning a new language later. "Help with employment for later? 1,600 full-time equivalent positions in which Breton is required are currently occupied (early childhood, education, media, local authorities, etc.). In 2006, there were only 900.

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Kowethas an Yeth Kernewek looking for an admin assistant

Yma oberen nowydh gans Kowethas an Yeth Kernewek. There is a new job with Kowethas an Yeth Kernewek. We are looking for an admin assistant for 10 hours a month, split evenly over the month. You will need a good working knowledge of Excel, Word and Email. The position will be based at our shop in Heartlands, Pool, but there is scope for some home working. A knowledge of the Cornish Language is desirable, but not essential.
For a job description or further information please contact Co-ordinator at kowethasanyeth@gmail.com or via 07821 782493
To apply please email your CV with a covering letter to kowethasanyeth@gmail.com by the closing date which is Friday 30th October.

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Div Yezh Breizh AGM held

Div Yezh Breizh, the association of parents of pupils at bilingual schools held its general assembly on Sunday October 11th morning in An Oriant. The association which encourages the teaching of Breton in public schools, addressed its events planned for 2021, some of which had to be postponed. A renewed office, reaffirmed projects and always the same determination to support the sector in various establishments (Nouvelle-Ville, Merville and at the College Brizeux). It thanked Thierry and Tugdual for the work accomplished and for the assurance of their support in future projects as well as to Nolwenn, Béatrice, Marina, Manon and Servane for their continued commitment within the office.
The first action will be in support of regional languages for parents of pupils in the Lorient public sector.

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Irish language in Donegal Gaeltacht at a critical point

Donegal Deputy Thomas Pringle says the Government has failed to recognise the emergency that exists in Ireland's Gaeltachts. Addressing the Dáil, he said the Official Languages Act of 2003 "hasn't been fit for purpose for a long time".

Independent TD for Donegal, Thomas Pringle, said the Government has failed to recognise the emergency that exists in Ireland’s Gaeltachts.

Addressing the Dáil yesterday, he said the Official Languages Act of 2003, “hasn’t been fit for purpose for a long time”.

He said: “And while I am happy to hear that the Government is introducing amendments – and indeed, we haven’t had sight of them – from what the minister says, they simply do not go far enough.”

Deputy Pringle said: “Once again, the Government is not listening to the people who are directly affected by this legislation.”

The deputy said the Government has also not listened to Coiste Gaeilge, who met with stakeholders in every Gaeltacht and with the Commissioner Teanga to produce a cross-party report in 2018 that contained 20 practical recommendations.

Deputy Pringle said: “In that report, the chair of the committee expressed serious concerns in relation to the lack of recognition of the emergency in the Gaeltacht and among the Irish-speaking community. This concern is not addressed at all in this bill.

“The people on the ground relayed to the committee that, unless supported, the Irish-speaking population of the country will be wiped out. We know that the population of native Irish speakers is at a critical point.”

Deputy Pringle said Irish speakers still cannot interact with the state in Irish, despite constitutional recognition that Irish is the country’s first language. He also said the powers of the Commissioner Teanga were too limited. He said: “The powers of the commissioner must enable the commissioner to examine other legislation. Similar to the way in which we poverty- or gender equality-proof legislation, the commissioner must have the power to ensure that legislation recognises the emergency that exists.”

After two false starts, this is the third attempt since 2011 to amend the Act. Deputy Pringle said he looked forward to further discussions on the bill in committee.

He said: “We must start with the recognition that there is an emergency. There must be a strong statement in the bill that we are in an emergency. An urgent action plan to address this emergency is now needed.”

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Panel to ensure Welsh language is central to Council of Powys plans

An internal panel to promote Welsh at Powys County Council (PCC) would ensure the language is central to all future plans and workings at the regional authority, it will be claimed on Monday  October 19th.

At the next Democratic Services Committee meeting, setting up the panel is one of a number of tweaks to the council’s constitution which will be in front of councillors.

The panel’s purpose would be to make sure that the Welsh language is central to PCC’s plans and strategies, as well as promoting its use as part of a long term campaign to increase the number of speakers.

There would also be an aspect of oversight by checking that council services work according to the legal requirements of the Welsh Language Standards.

In July, the 2019/20 annual Welsh Standards report was approved at a meeting of the full council, but had contained some criticism from Welsh language commissioner, Aled Roberts.

Assurances were given that work  to improve the council’s use of the language is being done.

The report to the committee says: “Although there are several partnership forums that the council is part of which discuss the Welsh language, there isn’t an internal forum to discuss these aspects specifically within PCC.

“It is proposed that a new panel is established, under the Democratic Services committee’s structure, and report to that committee, to look at the council’s services and plans within a Welsh language context.”

If approved, the panel would meet every quarter and would be held in Welsh, with simultaneous translation provided for non-Welsh speaking councillors and officers.

The panel would be made up of the Chairman of the Democratic Services committee, Cllr Elwyn Vaughan, and portfolio holder for Welsh, Cllr Myfanwy Alexander, who would be be joined by a councillor from each political group.

If the committee vote in favour of creating the panel, that recommendation would then go before a future full council meeting for an ultimate decision.

Like all other government and public bodies in Wales, PCC is required to comply with the Welsh Language Standards, introduced under the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011.

This gave the language an equal legal status with English to make it easier for people to use Welsh in their day to day lives.

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Cymdeithas yr Iaith opposes Pen-Y-Bont Fawr school closure

 

Wales' Education Minister has been asked to step in to prevent the reorganisation of schools around Llanfyllin by Welsh language pressure group Cymdeithas yr Iaith. They group says Powys Council would be breaking the Schools Organisation Code which gives a presumption against closing rural schools if it went ahead with the plans, with which the council has agreed to progress with a business case.

The move would see Ysgol Pennant primary school in Pen-Y-Bont Fawr closed, with the council planning a new Welsh medium primary school at Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, and an expectation that pupils from Ysgol Pennant would go there.

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Public Office of the Breton Language launches a campaign to conquer adults

 Conquering adults to bring the Breton language to life this is the aim of the Public Office of the Breton language. For the 21st year, the Public Office of the Breton Language is launching its promotional campaign which aims to appeal to the adult public.

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A Manx Gaelic primary school will become the first of its kind to be wholly run by the Isle of Man government

A spokesman hailed the move as as a "significant moment" for the resurgent Manx language. Bunscoill Ghaelgagh is the only school on the Isle of Man to teach lessons through Gaelic. Education minister Alex Allinson said the school had been an "intrinsic part of the Manx language revival". The change means teachers will be directly employed by the government and the school will be able to access services provided by the education department, such as special needs provision.


The work of the school had helped people better appreciate the importance of island culture and made Manx "a living language again", Mr Allinson added. Educational charity Mooinjer Veggey currently runs the school under a contract with the education department, which is due to expire at the end of the academic year. Following a consultation with parents, it was decided the department would take up the management of the school. Manx organisation Culture Vannin said the move was another sign the language was flourishing on the island.


Mooinjer Veggey director Phil Gawne said the school had helped about 170 pupils become fluent in Manx and "radically transformed the fortunes" of the language.  After falling dramatically from the end of the 19th century, the number of Manx speakers has increased since the 1990s and the 2011 census recorded more than 1,800 speakers on the island. Established in 2001, Bunscoill Ghaelgagh has grown from nine pupils and sharing premises to having its own facility in St John's and about 70 students.

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Avanti West Coast has introduced Welsh language information displays onboard its service

 

Avanti West Coast, with the support of the Welsh Language Commissioner, has introduced Welsh language announcements and information displays onboard its service to and from North Wales.

Working closely with the Commissioner, whose vision is a Wales where people can use the Welsh language in their everyday lives, Avanti West Coast has reaffirmed its commitment to the region with the last of the 20 modified trains entering service this week

The work was undertaken by Bombardier at their Central Rivers depot.

“This is a simple but important milestone, one that highlights our commitment to serving North Wales,” commented Tim Barton, Onboard Manager for Avanti West Coast.  “With new trains due to arrive in 2022, additional services next year to Llandudno and plans to move into new offices in Holyhead, the investment is set to delivery real benefits for our customers. It’s an exciting time.”

Aled Roberts, The Welsh Language Commissioner said: “We welcome Avanti West Coast’s commitment to the Welsh language. It is important that passengers in Wales hear Welsh, and realise that it is an official language in Wales. Not only is it an essential service for Welsh speakers, it also raises the awareness of our language among visitors.

“It is great that my officers had the opportunity to work with Avanti West Coast to provide this service. I look forward to seeing how the company will develop their Welsh language service further in the future.”

The news comes after Avanti West Coast reinstated its direct services from London to Holyhead and Wrexham earlier this month.

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