Cymoedd celebrate Welsh Language Rights Day

On December 6th, the college celebrated the first Welsh Language Rights Day #maegenihawl, in collaboration with the Welsh Language Commissioner.

The aim of the day is to promote the use of Welsh language services provided by public bodies in Wales under the Welsh Language Standards of the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011. Coleg y Cymoedd is required to comply with over 200 Welsh Language Standards related to all aspect of college life.

This event was an opportunity to focus on and promote just some of the services the college provides for Welsh speaking learners, staff and members of the public: bilingual signage, bilingual content on Cymoedd social media platforms, the right to apply for jobs in the college through the medium of Welsh, correspondence and forms from the college in Welsh and a bilingual website. These rights were promoted across the four campuses at Aberdare, Nantgarw, Rhondda and Ystrad Mynach and via the college’s social media channels.

Commenting on behalf of the college, Jonathan Morgan, Vice-Principal/Chief Operating Officer said “Coleg y Cymoedd is committed to the development of the Welsh language provision and bilingual services across the college”.

Echoing the work of the college in support of Welsh speakers, Rhys Journeaux, currently studying on the Level 1 Electrical Installation course at Ystrad Mynach campus added “The Welsh language is important to me. I am pleased that the College is looking after my rights as a Welsh speaker as it helps me develop my Welsh language skills”.

Welsh Language Commissioner, Aled Roberts acknowledged the work undertaken by the College and stated “Today there are over 120 organisations operating the Welsh language standards, which means that the public have a right to use the language with them. We are pleased that organisations such as Coleg y Cymoedd have taken the opportunity today to promote Welsh language rights. Let us now, as Welsh speakers and learners, make the most of our rights and chose the language.”

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