| The Menters Background
Menter Iaith Abertawe was established
during the year of 2000, following a grant from
the Welsh language Board. The application for
the grant was made by the Managing Committee of
Ty Tawe. Ty Tawe was established in 1982 with
the intention of promoting the Welsh Language
in Swansea.This operates mainly by establishing
a Welsh Centre, that opened in 1987 where there
is a Welsh Shop, facilities to hold Welsh classes,
offices and room to hold a variety of activities.
One of the advantages of setting up the Menter
in connection with Ty Tawe is the fact that the
building itself is in such a central location
which was a suitable place to house Menter Iaith
and offer all kinds of activities. Ty Tawe also
contributes in many ways to the success and financial
security of Menter Iaith. Along with setting up
Menter iaith, a lead officer was appointed, and
a year later with money from the Welsh Language
Board an officer was appointed to work specifically
in the disadvantaged wards in Swansea. In 2002,
we recieved yet more financial support from the
Welsh Language Board, through the National Assembly,
and a project officer was appointed. Also in 2002
we recieved further financial support from the
WLB and WDA, and a s a result three new members
of staff were appointed, including a community
translator and two field officers.
Until now, our work has concentrated
on certain areas:
i. Education
ii. Activities for young people
iii. Activities for children
iv. Connection in the community.
The Venture is coordinated by
a management committee which is the sub-committee
of a registered charity. The charity consists
of four trustees (one lecturer, 2 barristers and
a high court judge) who are responsible for the
financial well being of the society. The Menter
operates in unison with Ty Tawe’s constitution
as a charity, it’s aim is to promote the
Welsh Language amongst the Welsh speaking and
non welsh speaking population of Swansea and it’s
surrounding areas. Meetings are held every couple
of months, and more frequent if need be.
On the committee there are people
with various skills in various field:
A Barrister whose the Chairman
of Industrial Tribunal
A charted accountant whose an accountant for a
well known national body\
A Welsh language tutor for adults
A lecturer whose involved in the field of lingustic
sociology
A local government officer, whose working on European
Grants.
The Menter has it’s own bank account.
In the meetings which are held
every two months, a report is presented by the
Officers of the Menter on the activities and the
plans for the future are discussed. Accounts are
prepared separately from the Menter by the Treasurer
of Ty Tawe who is a registered accountant.
|
