The National Eisteddfod is a vibrant celebration of the Welsh language. Each year, it brings together thousands of participants from across Wales and beyond, showcasing the richness of Welsh culture.

At this year’s Eistedfodd, Jane O’ Toole, CEO of Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs will be joined by Sarah Murphy MS the new Minister for Mental Health and Early Years. Given the Cymraeg 2050 target, they will highlight the value that Out of School Childcare Clubs can add and the benefits of play.

Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs will also be actively participating in this year’s festival to celebrate Playday, the national day for play. This year’s Playday theme highlights the rich and lively culture of children’s play, emphasising that playfulness is an instinctive and essential part of human behaviour across generations and cultures.

Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs’ CEO stated, “Play, being the culture of childhood, acts as a universal language that unites children from diverse backgrounds and needs. The synergy between Playday, the National Eisteddfod, and the Cymraeg 2050 goal highlights the importance of play in cultural and linguistic development.” Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs is dedicated to contributing to these goals through advocating play and Out of School Childcare.

One of the highlights of this year’s Playday is the “Cardboard City” activity, where children design and build their own versions of their world and community. This activity not only sparks creativity but also fosters an understanding and appreciation of other children’s communities and cultures.

Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs is at the forefront of promoting the Welsh language and culture through its initiatives.  Since achieving Cynnig Cymraeg, the organisation has doubled the number of Welsh-speaking staff, better supporting clubs in the language of their choice.  Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs’ CEO stated ‘Through our CYMell project and the Welsh Promise initiative, the organisation provides training, resources, and support to enhance the quality of Out of School Childcare provision, promoting the Welsh language and culture.’

Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs is proud to lead the way in this journey, ensuring that play remains a powerful tool in nurturing a vibrant culture and a thriving Welsh language by 2050.

Notes:

• The National Eisteddfod is Europe’s largest cultural festival
• The Welsh Government’s Cymraeg 2050 strategy envisions “a Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh language.” This goal is based on three strategic themes:
  • Increasing the number of Welsh speakers.
  • Increasing the use of Welsh.
  • Creating favourable conditions – infrastructure and context.
• Playing is vital for children’s health, happiness, and creativity. Through play:
  • children develop a sense of, and value for culture
  • cultural exploration is encouraged, fostering an appreciation for diversity
• Out of School childcare Clubs run before and after the school day and enable parents/carers to train and work, supporting work/life balance and financial circumstances, helping them to keep their families out of poverty, whilst their children play.

For media enquiries, please contact: Sophie Peppin, sophiep@clybiauplantcymru.org

Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs

Bridge House

Station Road

Llanishen

Cardiff

CF14 5UW

Email: info@clybiauplantcymru.org

Telephone: 029 2074 1000