WIREDGOV

First Minister Carwyn Jones will today announce the successful projects set to receive funding during 2014-15 to develop new centres and learning spaces to promote the use of the Welsh Language.

The Capital Investment Fund, which was announced at the National Eisteddfod to support our policy, Bwrw Mlaen, will enable local authorities, colleges and universities to work with community partners to develop dynamic centres to enable people to learn or practice their Welsh.

• The following projects will receive support during the 2014-15 financial round:
• Ynys Mon Council (£138,723) to develop the county’s Welsh Language latecomers’ immersion centres
• Trinity-St David’s University (£300,000) to purchase a building in Carmarthen town centre to be converted into a multi-purpose Welsh Language Centre
• Carmarthenshire Council (£70,000) to work with third sector partners to develop a multi-purpose Welsh language centre in Llanelli
• Coleg Cambria (£300,000) to develop a Welsh Language Skills in the Workplace Centre in Wrexham town centre to provide Welsh Language learning and networking opportunities for businesses.

The First Minister will today visit Canolfan13 ‘Y Lle’ in Llanelli, which will benefit from Carmarthenshire’s successful bid, to hear more about their plans to renovate a centre in Llanelli to promote the language in the town.  The centre, being developed by a social enterprise, will be home to a number of services, including a community café and bar facilities, offices, function rooms for events and meetings, youth clubs and a rehearsal / recording studio for young bands.

First Minister said:  

“Encouraging people to use the Welsh Language in their daily lives and in their local communities is at the heart of our commitments within Bwrw Mlaen.  The projects I am announcing today will create dynamic learning centres in our towns and communities and become real focal points for the language for people of all ages.

“Centres such as ‘Y Lle’ in Llanelli will play a key role in promoting the use of the language, offering opportunities for people to practice their Welsh and boost their confidence levels.  I look forward to hearing how the projects develop over the course of the next few months.

“Our Capital Fund for 2015-16 is now open for applications and I would encourage local authorities, colleges and universities across Wales to bid for the next round of funding.”