Sponsored walks across Wales aim to support Welsh-medium childcare and early years education
MUDIAD MEITHRIN has announced the launch of its annual fundraising campaign, ‘Cylchoedd yn Cerdded’, which will run from April 27 to May 2.
The organisation, which is committed to giving every child the opportunity to play, learn and grow through the medium of Welsh, said the campaign has been designed to offer an easy and enjoyable way for Cylchoedd Meithrin and day nurseries to raise vital funds.
The campaign encourages members of the Mudiad Meithrin community, along with local communities across Wales, to take part in sponsored walks to support Welsh-medium early years provision.
Walking, organisers say, is a simple and free activity suitable for all ages, offering families a chance to get involved, socialise, enjoy the fresh air and promote the message that a healthy body supports a healthy mind.
Cylchoedd and nurseries are being encouraged to adapt the campaign to suit their own locations and communities, with a number of ideas suggested, including setting daily walking challenges for staff and children, organising sponsored walks during Cylch Ti a Fi or nursery sessions, mapping out routes to encourage wider community involvement, and inviting local personalities to take part.
Mudiad Meithrin said the campaign offers a safe and effective way to raise funds, with every penny contributing towards strengthening Welsh-medium early years education opportunities.
One fundraiser already going above and beyond is Jamie Bevan from Merthyr Tydfil, who is embarking on a remarkable 3,000-mile journey from Merthyr to Istanbul in aid of Cylch Meithrin y Gurnos.
Jamie is set to begin his challenge on April 7, travelling through 11 countries over the course of four to five months. He plans to camp along the way, including in some of Europe’s most remote landscapes.
As a Welsh tutor and keen linguist, Jamie said the trip will also provide an opportunity to immerse himself in different languages and cultures, while sharing stories about Wales and the Welsh language with people he meets.
The challenge was inspired by his desire to support his local Cylch Meithrin, which provides vital early years opportunities for children in one of Merthyr’s most deprived areas.
Jamie said: “At Cylch Meithrin Y Gurnos, children have a real opportunity to thrive. They are introduced to the Welsh language from the very beginning, helping to keep the language alive for future generations, not only in schools, but in homes, communities and everyday life.
“Every pound raised through this walk will go directly to Cylch Meithrin y Gurnos.”
Donations can be made online at: https://tinyurl.com/mnwj7zu6.
