Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones has announced more than £2.3 million funding for three organisations who play a key role in promoting the use of the Welsh language, for the financial year 2010-11.

The three organisations – Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin, Urdd Gobaith Cymru and the National Eisteddfod all receive an increase in their funding from the Welsh Assembly Government through the Welsh Language Board.  Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin receives £1,156,464, Urdd Gobaith Cymru receives £687,184 and the National Eisteddfod receives £493,000.

The Heritage Minister, Alun Ffred Jones, said:

"The National Eisteddfod, Urdd Gobaith Cymru and Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin are all organisations which play a key role in promoting the Welsh language and the culture of Wales

"This funding means that the three organisations can continue to provide opportunities for children, young people and adults to enjoy activities through the medium of Welsh.  Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin will be able to continue to employ a number of staff at national, regional and local authority level. The funding will also allow the organisation to allocate grants to its Welsh language playgroups, as well as support elements of training and marketing work and language resources. Urdd Gobaith Cymru will be able to move ahead with their plan to employ development officers for secondary school pupils and the National Eisteddfod will be able to undertake work to attract new audiences to the 2010 Eisteddfod in Blaenau Gwent.”

Chair of the Welsh Language Board, Meri Huws, said:

“The Board’s aim is to ensure that there are an increasing number of people in Wales who speak and use the Welsh language in their daily lives.  These three organisations create a wave of Welshness and offer opportunities to use Welsh naturally in their communities.  It’s a privilege to support them in this work.”