The new Welsh Language Commissioner will be visiting Anglesey today (Wednesday 19 April) to meet some of the county’s secondary school pupils.

Efa Gruffudd Jones took up the role in January this year and is particularly interested in the views of young people. During her visit to Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni she will hear from pupils about the importance of the Welsh language and ask what more could be done to encourage young people to use Welsh outside the classroom.

Welsh Language Commissioner, Efa Gruffudd Jones, believes it is important to hear people’s views about the use of the language.

She said, "Since starting in post I have constantly emphasised the need to ensure that the Welsh language is a living language that is used naturally on a daily basis. We have various ways to make that happen, including ensuring compliance with the standards and constant encouragement.

“I'm very much looking forward to hearing the young people’s thoughts and ideas and I'm sure they'll have quite a few questions to ask me too."

The visit is also an opportunity for the Commissioner to meet some of the council's Learning Service officers and discuss key plans, including the new 'Modernising Learning Communities and Developing the Welsh Language Strategy'.

Education and Welsh language portfolio holder, Councillor Ieuan Williams, added, “It is a pleasure to welcome the Commissioner to Anglesey and it is encouraging that she wants to hear from our young people. They are the ones who will ensure that the language continues to be heard here in years to come.”

The county council is currently consulting on the new strategy and you can make your voice heard by visiting the website before 18 May 2023.

Ends 19 April 2023

Editor’s notes

• The Welsh Language Commissioner's main statutory aim is to promote and facilitate the use of Welsh.
• Efa Gruffudd Jones was appointed to the role by an independent selection panel. She succeeds the late Aled Roberts and Meri Hughes as Wales’ third Welsh Language Commissioner.
• Before becoming Commissioner, Efa was the Chief Executive of the National Centre for Welsh Learning and before that Chief Executive of Urdd Gobaith Cymru.
• This is her first public visit to Anglesey.