Menter Iaith facts for kids
Menter Iaith (say "Men-tair Eye-ath") means 'Language Initiative' in English. It's a special group that works in local communities to help more people use and enjoy the Welsh language. Think of them as cheerleaders for the Welsh language in their area!
Each local Menter Iaith gets money from the Welsh Language Board and other places. They use this money to work with people, other groups, and local businesses. Their main goal is to make sure the Welsh language is used a lot in daily life, like in shops, schools, and community events.
The very first Menter Iaith started in 1991. It was called Menter Cwm Gwendraeth. Today, there are 24 of these groups across Wales. Most Mentrau Iaith cover an area that matches a local council. However, in Carmarthenshire and Powys, there are a few smaller Mentrau Iaith that focus on even smaller local areas. Did you know that in 2008, a Menter Iaith even started in Patagonia? This was done with help from groups like the Urdd and British Council Wales.
What is Mentrau Iaith Cymru?
Mentrau Iaith Cymru is like a big team leader for all the local Mentrau Iaith groups. It's an "umbrella organisation," which means it helps all the different local groups connect. They share ideas, tips, and information with each other. This way, all the Mentrau Iaith can learn from each other and do an even better job of promoting the Welsh language.
Where are the Mentrau Iaith?
Here is a list of all the different Mentrau Iaith groups across Wales and beyond:
- CERED (Menter Iaith Ceredigion) - in Ceredigion
- Menter Abertawe - in Swansea
- Menter Caerdydd - in Cardiff
- Menter Iaith Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen, a Mynwy - in Blaenau Gwent, Monmouthshire and Torfaen
- Menter Iaith Bro Dinefwr - in Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire
- Menter Iaith Bro Morgannwg - in the Vale of Glamorgan
- Menter Iaith Bro Ogwr - in Bridgend
- Menter Iaith Brycheiniog - in Brycheiniog, south Powys
- Menter Iaith Castell-nedd Port Talbot - in Neath Port Talbot
- Menter Iaith Conwy - in Conwy
- Menter Iaith Cwm Gwendraeth - in the Gwendraeth Valley, Carmarthenshire
- Menter Iaith Dinbych - in Denbighshire
- Menter Iaith Gorllewin Sir Gar - in West Carmarthenshire
- Mentrau Iaith Hunaniaith - in Gwynedd
- Menter Iaith Llanelli - in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire
- Menter Iaith Maelor - in Wrexham
- Menter Iaith Maldwyn - in Maldwyn, north Powys
- Menter Iaith Merthyr - in Merthyr Tydfil
- Menter Iaith Môn - on the Isle of Anglesey
- Menter Iaith Rhondda Cynon Taf - in Rhondda Cynon Taff
- Menter Iaith Sir Benfro - in Pembrokeshire
- Menter Iaith Sir Caerffili - in Caerphilly
- Menter Iaith Sir y Fflint - in Flintshire
- Menter Iaith Casnewydd - in Newport
