🚨 Serious concerns for the Welsh language! 🚨
A new report has revealed that the Welsh language is at a critical crossroads. Despite a growing population, the number of Welsh speakers has not seen a corresponding rise. 😟
Welsh language commissioner, Efa Gruffudd Jones, stresses the need for urgent action post-Senedd elections. The call is for whoever leads next to pour resources into boosting Welsh in education, the NHS, government, media, and community life. Key measures include more Welsh-medium schools and transformative support in all teaching sectors. 🏫👩🏫
One council has backed a plan for affordable housing in a Gwynedd village, but with a twist – reserving homes for those able to speak Welsh. 🚫🏡 This clause was rejected as illegal, highlighting the complex issues at play in safeguarding Welsh heartlands.
Jones’s 27-page report, “Our Time to Act,” argues that the Welsh Government’s target of a million speakers by 2050 is possible only with bold action. With the number of Welsh speakers static and English influx, traditional heartlands are under threat. 📉
The Census 2021 revealed only 538,296 Welsh speakers, far from the 680,000 needed by the next Senedd. Policies placing Welsh at their heart are vital. It’s not just about numbers but ensuring Welsh thrives in daily life, where English often dominates, especially digitally. 📱
There’s a call for a revolution in Welsh-language teaching, more schools, and a boost to early years and post-school Welsh skills. 🚀 The commissioner insists we need a Welsh-language training framework as part of every teacher’s path amid recruitment challenges.
This isn’t just an education issue. The NHS must also ramp up capabilities to provide Welsh-language care, demanding specific investment in resources and specialist roles. 🏥
As we edge closer to the 2026 Senedd election, the future of Welsh rests on bold and brave steps forward. It’s time for action across all sectors! 💪
Let’s protect and grow our beautiful language together! 🌟#WelshLanguage #Cymraeg #FutureOfWelsh