A NEW project between Menter Iaith Castell-nedd Port Talbot and Neath Arts Festival will benefit primary school children in future by helping develop their language skills through song.
The project will be launched during this year’s Art Festival which will see 50 events take place between October 15 and 19.
The Festival will open with a concert featuring choirs from local schools Alderman Davies Church in Wales Primary School and Ysgol Gymraeg Castell -nedd, Tonna Male Voice Choir and local bilingual band Atsain.
Neath Arts Festival approached local singer/songwriter Ken Thomas to teach two of his original songs to the local schoolchildren. To assist with the process Ken and his son Steffan worked with Menter Iaith staff to make two videos with backing tracks and words for the children to practice after live sessions with Atsain at their schools.
Menter Iaith CNPT Chief Operations Officer, Leanne Walker said: “Atsain have been visiting local schools for about 3 years now. We are always looking at methods to bolster the improvement and use of our language.
“When this opportunity arose it seemed an ideal chance to support the schools and children with an extra resource for learning.”
Menter Iath CNPT with the support of Neath Arts Festival intend to roll out the videos for all schools in the area to use.
Roger Williams from the Arts Festival said: “Neath Arts Festival exists to inspire people by promoting arts events throughout the town.
“We are delighted young people have been able to work with Ken over six weeks and that the project will lead to this legacy for other schools to use and enjoy.”
