Written question WQ89713

Ensuring that refugees and asylum seekers are included in opportunities to learn Welsh is a commitment in our Nation of Sanctuary Refugee and Asylum Seeker Plan.

I’ve committed £6.6m until the end of this Senedd term to support late immersion provision in all local authorities in Wales. This has already proved to be invaluable in ensuring that children settling in Wales are able to access Welsh-medium education. Our approach to immersing learners in Welsh is unique to us in Wales. Cymraeg: it belongs to us all and I want to see this investment support learners who are new to the language, so they have the best chance of becoming Welsh speakers.

The Urdd have welcomed refugees to their centres in Wales. This has not only provided a haven for those resettling but also supported families to immerse in Welsh life and the language.

Funding is provided to RhAG (Parents for Welsh-medium education) to support parents across Wales interested in Welsh-medium education via their online presence through Welsh4parents. RhAG will soon launch their new website with information and online resources about Welsh-medium education in 14 community languages. I’ve also provided funding for a South-East Wales Welsh- medium education promotion champion as a pilot collaboration between local authorities and organisations including the Mentrau Iaith and RhAG. One of the key objectives is to welcome and encourage families from all backgrounds to access Welsh medium education and promote it as a real choice for all. This includes developing multilingual videos to promote Welsh-medium education and highlight the lived experiences of families of all backgrounds.

The National Centre for Learning Welsh also has a package of tailor-made resources for those whose first language is not English or who do not speak much English. The ‘Croeso i Bawb’ (All are welcome) programme includes opportunities to learn Welsh through languages such as Cantonese, Syrian Arabic, Farsi, Pashto and Ukrainian.