Charity takes a very different approach to Welsh sessions

SINCE the coronavirus lockdown came into place at Menter Cwm Gwendraeth Elli (MCGE), staff have been working from their kitchen tables in what is a very different approach to what they would usually class as their daily schedule.

The charity, which supports existing Welsh community activities and promotes projects to regenerate the rural community, has had to consider how it reaches the people of Cwm Gwendraeth and Llanelli.

Without jumping in a car to present a Welsh language awareness session at a school, or hosting a meeting at the Cwtsh in Pontyberem, there was only one thing for it, to take advantage of the power of the internet and social media.

One of the projects is a booklet for children called the Covid Capsule. This will be something for our children to look back at, as it will be a historic time for us all. So far, the capsule has reached more than 40,000 people.

MCGE staff are also producing a digital timetable from week to week, which is suitable for all ages and offers a variety of activities.

MCGE said it wants to offer a wide variety of sessions by using and normalising the use of the Welsh language. These sessions also emphasise a lot of fun whilst exercising, cooking and doing so by using Welsh.

Alaw Davies, deputy manager of MCGE, said: “It’s great that we can continue to offer sessions of a high standard to our local communities, individuals and groups in a different format.

“We have also reached people outside our targeted areas which means we have reached people across the country.”

The capsule has reached over 40,000 people. Groups and schools across Wales have been in contact regarding this booklet, congratulating them as an establishment and also requiring a copy to use with their pupils.

“So, if you are an individual living in the Gwendraeth Valley, Llanelli or even Carmarthenshire who attempts to try new ideas and wants to share these ideas with MCGE, get in touch.”

For a copy of the capsule, send an email to alaw@mcge.org.uk / elen@ mcge.org.uk