The doors of Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Castell-nedd and Pontardawe were opened to Menter Iaith once again this summer for Play Schemes, thanks to head teachers Mr Tudur Jones, Mrs Myfanwy Rees and their school governors.

The play schemes ran for 10 days from 26 July – 06 August 2010 under the leadership of Rhys Evans, Catrin Heledd and Rhisian Mai Davies at Neath and Lisa-Marie Evans and Emyr Hopkin at Pontardawe. This year the response was excellent with up to 350 children attending the scheme at Neath and Pontardawe.

During the ten days the children had the opportunity to take part in numerous activities including traditional games and of course the very popular Dodgeball and cyber cafe. The children also had the opportunity to visit our art and craft room, where a few master pieces were created, some good enough to hang on the wall of any art gallery in the world!

Thanks to the vision of our National Assembly, the children were able to swim at Dyfed Road, Neath and Pontardawe Swimming Pools free of charge during the two weeks.

Menter Iaith Castell-nedd Port Talbot would like to thank the children and parents of both schools for their support once again. Thanks also must go to the staff and volunteers for being so professional in their work and for giving the children the best possible care and enjoyment during the summer holidays.

Deciding to raise your children bilingually is an important decision . Decision is going to have an influence on your life you you as parents and children .
There are many advantages of speaking two languages . Your children can enjoy two cultures . They can also bridge between generations by speaking the same language as her grandmother and father - grandfather , grandparents , and extended family . Also , there are economic benefits . In Wales today , employers are looking for people who can speak and work in both languages .
If you and your partner speak Welsh , more than likely you speak Welsh with each other as family . Your child will thus become fully bilingual.
If your partner does not speak Welsh , I'm sure you've asked the question before your baby is born : "Do we want our children to speak Welsh? "This is a very important question you ask yourself and your partner. It is important that you discuss this and consider the views both of you . If you wish to raise your children bilingually it is important that you both see and understand the benefits of doing this. A lot of information to help you on the right side of the screen .
If only one of you who can speak Welsh , you might want to get some advice and assistance on how to raise your children through two languages .
We have lots of experience and expertise in Wales of raising children bilingually . We are ahead of most countries in many ways , in terms of understanding the process . So , let us share this experience together .
Growth Plan
Are you a parent and looking for advice and information on raising children bilingually ? A member of a family where one parent speaks Welsh and the other not , and worry about raising your child to speak more than one language? Maybe you 're expecting a child at the moment and want to know about the benefits of working up that child bilingually , or rather in raising bilingual children already and want more information about local events . Whatever your question is a project by the Board , Growth ( see link on right side of screen ) , a comprehensive website containing all the information you need .

Pre-School Education
In Wales, part-time statutory education available to every child from the term following the child's birthday is 3 years old . Statutory education full time at the start of term following the child 's birthday 4.
First Welsh-medium pre-school education providers is Nursery Schools Movement ( MYM ) .
MYM runs a variety of provisions in all parts of Wales . You do not need that you or your child can speak Welsh to access provision.
Nursery

The Circles Nursery caters for children from 2 years old up to school age .

Children can go to the Nursery , whether they speak Welsh or not . They offer opportunities for children to play , learn and socialize through the medium .

At this age children's spoken language is rapidly developing . It will give them the opportunity to make friends and enjoy playing with them through the medium set strong foundations to build upon.

Around 550 playgroups throughout Wales , with over 10,000 children are attending . ( Figures MYM )

Ti a Fi
Cylch Ti a Fi caters for children from birth to school age .
They offer opportunities for parents and carers to enjoy playing with their children in an informal atmosphere through the language, in socializing with other parents . You do not need that you or your child can speak Welsh to join the local Parent and Toddler Group . You're welcome to join in the activities, and maybe you learn a few Gymraeg yourself on the road.

Some Ti a Fi groups run courses " Welsh for the Family " presents stories , songs and rhymes in Welsh and some simple phrases to use at home .

For further information about Nursery Schools Movement or to find your Cylch Ti a Fi or local Nursery Circle , visit their website:- www.mym.co.uk (Find a Cylch)

Following the success of the Big Brother Experience 2009 which saw Rhodri Morgan of Neath Port Talbot taking the title, the Swansea Youth Service in partnership with Menter Iaith Abertawe and Menter Iaith Castell Nedd Port Talbot are glad to announce that the Big Brother Experience 2010 will happen again this year. The Welsh challenge which is a 3 day, 2 night challenge will take place from Monday, 23rd August to Wednesday 25th August.

6 young people from this county have been chosen to take part in this unique experience. Menter Iaith would like to wish all of the contestants taking part the very best of luck, and hope to see the first prize of £100 being won by a young person from Neath Port Talbot once again.

What is Iaith Gwaith (Working Welsh)?

Iaith Gwaith is a campaign to promote bilingual service.

The scheme is built around a simple and recognisable orange badge which can be worn by staff who deal with the public to show that they can speak Welsh or are learning Welsh. The scheme’s symbol indicates to customers that a service is available in Welsh.

The badge – in the form of an orange speech bubble – shows that spoken Welsh is a working language.

Tens of thousands of the badges have been distributed to businesses, shops, museums, pubs, health trusts, county councils and many more organisations.

What are the advantages?

· Helping customers to identify Welsh speaking staff.

· Offering customers a service in their preferred language straight away – and free of charge

· Building your brand as an employer by showing that you recognise and value Welsh speaking staff

· Developing your employees’ Welsh language communication skills.

Read the full list of advantages

Iaith Gwaith: Artwork

In order to be able to use Iaith Gwaith artwork, you must register with the Board.

The inaugural “Gŵyl y Gwach” Festival was held at the Pontardawe Inn (known locally as the Gwachel) the weekend of the 16th-17th of July and was officially opened by Dafydd Hywel the Welsh actor. The Festival was organised by Menter Iaith Castell-nedd Port Talbot and was intended as an extension to their monthly Welsh language gigs which are held at “The Gwachel” Pontardawe.

The Festival kicked off on the Friday evening in the company of Dewi Pws, Ryland Teifi and Radwm, who managed to provide a wonderful evenings entertainment of traditional music and humour, with participation from a very willing audience during “Lleucu Llwyd”, “Beic penny farthing fy nhaid” and “MOMFG”.
Youtube link:- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNSz9wR2cO g

Saturday afternoon was far more family orientated with a bouncy castle, circus skills,a variety of games and stalls, traditional folk dancing and a real fire engine for children to see at close quarters. During the afternoon the Festival welcomed two special guests in “Superted” and “Dewin” who entertained the children (and adults) with their dancing skills!

Four bands from all over Wales were invited to perform on the Saturday evening, Yr Alltud (Swansea), Adrift (Cardigan), Bandana (Caernarfon) and Sara Mai a’r Moniars (Anglesey). All the bands gave excellent performances especially Sara Mai a’r Moniars, who performed a wide variety of songs which included “Rhywbeth amdanat ti”, “Baker Street” and even the Jimmy Hendrix classic “VooDoo Child”. The Festival was brought to a very fitting close with the singing of the Welsh National Anthem, traditional version first, followed immediately by the rock version.

The Festival proved to be a huge success and arrangements are already being made for “Gŵyl y Gwach 2011”.

Menter Iaith would like to thank Cat, Jason and staff at the Gwachel for their continued support, committe members and volunteers for all their hard work during the weekend and most importantly everybody who turned up to support “Gŵyl y Gwach”. Diolch yn fawr iawn.

The next “Gigs y Gwach” is on Friday the 17th of September at 8.30pm at the Pontardawe Inn, with Meic Stevens.

YGG Pontardawe
Alltycham Drive, Pontardawe, SA8 4JX
Headteacher: Mrs Myfanwy Rees (Head)
Tel: 01792 862136 Fax: 01792 862136
Email: yggpontardawe@npted.org
Website: http://www.yggpontardawe.ik.org

YG Y Wern
Clare Road, Ystalyfera, SA9 2AJ
Headteacher: Mr Gwilym Jones (Head)
Tel: 01639 842242 Fax: 01639 849108
Email: ygywern@npted.org

YGG Blaendulais
Seven Sisters, SA10 9AA
Headteacher: Mrs Kate Windsor Brown (Acting Head)
Tel: 01639 700342 Fax: 01639 700342
Email: yggblaendulais@npted.org
Website: http://www.yggblaend.baglanit.org.uk/

YGG Castell-nedd
Woodland Road, SA11 3AL
Headteacher: Mr Tudur Jones (Head)
Tel: 01639 637701 Fax: 01639 639772
Email: yggcastellnedd@npted.org
Website: http://www.yggcn.co.uk/

YGG Cwm Nedd
New Street, Glynneath, SA11 5AA
Headteacher: Mr Rhodri Siôn (Head)
Tel: 01639 720530 Fax: 01639 729175
Email: yggcwmnedd@npted.org
Website: http://gymraegcwmnedd.createprimary.net/

YGG Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen
New Road, Gwaun Cae Gurwen, SA18 1UN
Headteacher: Mr Keri Morgan (Head)
Tel: 01269 822238 Fax: 01269 824956
Email: ygggwauncaegurwen@npted.org
Website: http://www.gwauncaegurwen.baglanit.org.uk

YGG Rhosafan
Marine Drive, SA12 7NN
Headteacher: Mrs Julia Griffiths (Head)
Tel: 01639 896338 Fax: 01639 882932
Email: yggrhosafan@npted.org
Website: http://www.rhosafan.baglanit.org.uk/

YGG Tyle''r Ynn
Llansawel Crescent, SA11 2UN
Headteacher: Mrs Sian Hart (Head)
Tel: 01639 812229
Email: yggtylerynn@npted.org
Website: http://www.tylerynn.ik.org/

YGGD Cwmgors
Heol Y Gors, Cwmgors, SA18 1RF
Headteacher: Mrs Ann Blank (Head)
Tel: 01269 822306 Fax: 01269 822306
Email: yggdcwmgors@npted.org

YGGD Cwmllynfell
Heol Y Bryn, Cwmllynfell, SA9 2FJ
Headteacher: Mrs Ann Szulik (Head)
Tel: 01639 830630
Email: yggdcwmllynfell@npted.org

YGGD Rhiwfawr
Rhiw Road, Rhiwfawr, SA9 2RF
Headteacher: Mrs Lynne Brier (Head)
Tel: 01639 830651
Email: yggdrhiwfawr@npted.org

YGGD Trebannws
Swansea Road, Trebanos, Pontardawe, SA8 4BL
Headteacher: Mrs Miriam Powles (Head)
Tel: 01792 864004 Fax: 01792 830930
Email: yggdtrebannws@npted.org
Website: http://www.trebannws.ik.org/

YGGD Y Glyn
School Road, Lower Brynamman, SA18 1SU
Headteacher: Mrs Sian Richards (Acting Head)
Tel: 01269 822333 Fax: 01269 824636
Email: yggdyglyn@npted.org
Website: http://www.ysgolyglyn.ik.org

Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera
Glan-yr-Afon, Ystalyfera, SA9 2JJ
Headteacher: Mr Eurig Davies (Head)
Tel: 01639 842129 Fax: 01639 845681
Email: ygystalyfera@npted.org
Website: http://www.ysgolgyfunystalyfera.co.uk

Using the Investing in Welsh Mark
Many businesses in Wales already use Welsh. Research shows that most customers appreciate this, and that they think it is important that businesses in Wales use the Welsh language. The Investing in Welsh Mark makes it easy for businesses to show that they respect their customers in Wales, and helps businesses draw attention to the ways in which they support the Welsh language.
Why take part in the Investing in Welsh scheme?
If your business already uses Welsh, the Investing in Welsh scheme will help you to promote that. If your business does not use Welsh at the moment, the Investing in Welsh scheme will help you make a start. It doesn’t mean that you have to do everything bilingually, and it does not mean that you have to have bilingual staff. Your business can use the scheme as a first step, to build up its use of Welsh over time. Many prominent and well-respected businesses are already part of the scheme, so your business will be in good company. Your staff and customers will be proud that your business is supporting the precious language and culture of Wales.
What other benefits are there to registering for Investing in Welsh?
Virtually all of the 600,000 people who can speak Welsh will be pleased to see that your business is backing the Welsh language. But it is not their language alone. Independent research2 shows that most people in Wales are proud of the Welsh language, and that they think it is important that businesses use it. Although only 1 in 5 people in Wales speak Welsh, more than 3 in 5 support the language. By registering for the Investing in Welsh scheme, all these people, Welsh speaking and non-Welsh speaking will be able to see that your business respects Welsh. Research also shows that customers associate Welsh language services and products which have bilingual packaging with higher quality. Market leaders realise this and in many sectors they are leading the way in expanding the use of Welsh. Registering for the scheme will tell your customers – existing and new – that your business reaches the highest of standards. The Board will host a directory of businesses which have registered for the Investing in Welsh scheme. Anyone who wants to find a business which supports Welsh will be able to do so easily, so registering for the scheme will give your business an extra marketing tool.
How do I register my business for Investing in Welsh?
Simply confirm to the Board that your business meets the scheme requirements, including your business name, address and contact details. You can do this by sending an email to post@byig-wlb.org.uk, or by writing to the address at the end of this document.

The Welsh Language Board Link Line to Welsh
does the following:-

translates up to 30 words
edits up to 75 words
translates menus of every kind
provides information on all aspects of Wales and the Welsh language
advises on place-names in Wales
And all of the above is free of charge
Telephone – 0845 607 6070

Send a text message - +44 (0)762 480 4130

Send a Fax - +44 (0)1248 725 735