Encouraging people to use their Welsh in every situation is the aim of the Welsh Language Commissioner’s annual campaign, Defnyddia Dy Gymraeg (Use Your Welsh), and Bardd Plant Cymru, the Welsh language children’s poet has worked with primary school pupils across the country to create a special poem to support the campaign. 

 

This year, the campaign had a particular focus on celebrating twenty years since the introduction of the Iaith Gwaith scheme and the little orange badge that is now so familiar to everyone. 

 

Poet’s support  

 

The Welsh language children’s poet, Siôn Tomos Owen, has been a part of this year’s campaign by creating a special poem with the help of a number of primary school children, 

 

“I’m very proud to be able to support the Defnyddia Dy Gymraeg campaign this year. I held a virtual workshop with schools and the ideas presented were fantastic. I’ve now taken the words the children provided and created a unique poem to celebrate twenty years of the Iaith Gwaith scheme, including lines and ideas gathered from the pupils. 

 

“It’s inspiring to work with children because there’s no limit to their enthusiasm and imagination. I am so grateful for their contributions, and I hope you enjoy the poem.” 

 

One school that took part and contributed to the poem was Ysgol Gymraeg y Trallwng, and according to Headteacher Angharad Davies, it was a wonderful experience, 

 

“The children loved working with Siôn Tomos Owen and the other schools to create this poem. The ideas flowed and seeing the finished poem come to life was a delightful experience for them. 

 

“It’s also great for them to have the opportunity to support such an important campaign that encourages them to use Welsh in their everyday lives, both inside and outside school.” 

 

Campaign’s third year   

 

This is the third year the campaign has been held, and according to Welsh Language Commissioner Efa Gruffudd Jones, enthusiasm is growing year on year, 

 

“The Defnyddia Dy Gymraeg campaign is an element of our work that supports our core priorities and gives everyone the opportunity to play their part. Interest and enthusiasm are increasing every year, and it’s wonderful to see the collaboration with Literature Wales and Bardd Plant Cymru and children from different schools to create such a special poem.” 

 

The primary schools that worked with Bardd Plant Cymru to develop the poem were: Amlwch, Cemaes, Cybi, Llanfawr, Llangynnwr, Llanilar, Llanystumdwy, Rhydaman, Santes Tudful, Tirdeunaw, Trallwng, Treganna and Ynyswen. 

 

You can read the poem here and watch the video here.