Parents in push for more Welsh-language schools
PARENTS are looking to start a new group to campaign for more Welsh language education in Merthyr Tydfil.
Rhieni Dros Addysyg Gymraeg, which means Parents for Welsh Medium Education, could soon have a branch in Merthyr Tydfil to promote the growth of Welsh medium education in the area.
Mark Ward and his wife are hoping to start up a local branch and
have organised a public meeting at Canolfan Soar on High Street in the town centre on Tuesday, September 17, at 7.30pm.
Mr Ward, who has children in Welsh medium education in Merthyr at the moment, said: “It seems to be growing across south east Wales. I am very passionate about the language and for it to survive and be a living language.”
He said the idea came about when Merthyr Tydfil council was renewing its Local Development Plan and something came up about Welsh medium education.
And after discussions with Menter Iaith and the Soar Centre, the public meeting was arranged for next week.
Currently there are only two Welsh medium primary schools in Merthyr Tydfil – Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Rhyd-y-Grug in Aberfan and Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Santes Tudful.
There are no Welsh medium secondary schools in Merthyr Tydfil, with many Welsh-speaking pupils travelling to Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Mr Ward said: “There doesn’t seem to be any clear ambition to have a Welsh medium secondary school in Merthyr Tydfil.
“The language is growing in Merthyr Tydfil. I don’t feel that the council are pushing it enough.”
Mr Ward said the two current Welsh medium primary schools are close to capacity at the moment.
He said he thinks there are plans in place to grow Welsh medium education in Merthyr Tydfil but would like to have more details about them.