QAA supports 2022 Welsh Language Rights Day

On Welsh Language Rights Day, QAA together with the Welsh Language Commissioner, are encouraging the young people of Wales to ensure that they are aware of their rights and to remember to use the Welsh language in their daily lives.

This annual event is held on the date the Welsh Language Measure came into force over a decade ago.

Young people are the focus of this year's campaign and that is entirely appropriate according to the Deputy Commissioner for the Welsh Language, Gwenith Price:

'It can be perceived as a cliché but our young people are our future and we need to ensure that they play a leading role in protecting and using the language in their everyday lives.

'In my latest assurance report it was noted that many feel that the opportunities to use the Welsh language consistently have increased but that organisations need to improve the way they facilitate and guarantee Welsh language services.

'In the same way we need to use and demand our rights and it's great to see our young people leading the way. This day allows us to not only highlight the rights, but to highlight the need to use them throughout the year.'

QAA is very happy to be supporting Welsh Rights Day 2022 and Alastair Delaney, Executive Director of Operations and Deputy Chief Executive, on behalf of the organisation, said:

'QAA is delighted to support Welsh Language Rights Day for the fourth consecutive year. We are committed to our work in Wales and our obligations under the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011. This year we are providing awareness raising and training opportunities among our staff and promoting our bilingual services on social media. We are committed to ensuring young people have a high-quality student learning experience in Wales - in Welsh and English - and are continuing to support projects and initiatives that promote Welsh medium study opportunities.'

As part of this year's Welsh Language Rights Day, a bespoke video has been created which includes a number of young people stating their rights and aspirations for the future.

One of those featured is Deio Owen who is a 20-year old Cardiff University student originally from Pwllheli:

'I think marking a day like this is important as it reminds us of our rights and encourages us to use them. It is quite possible that not everyone is aware of their rights when it comes to the Welsh language, and this is an opportunity to highlight those rights.

'As a university student I have seen a positive change in the way the University deals with the Welsh language and we now need to build on that platform for the future.'

Another star of the campaign is Elen Madrun Llewelyn-Evans, a 17-year-old student at Ysgol Gyfun Penweddig, Aberystwyth:

'It is good to know that young people's voices are being heard and that they are listened to, as we are concerned about the future in so many different areas. After all, our future is what is under discussion.

'It was great to be a part of making this film and I hope it will have the necessary impact as we continue to increase the use of Welsh in every aspect of our lives.'

You can support the campaign on social media by following #MaeGenIHawl or go to the Welsh Language Commissioner’s website.