For this first time this year a week-long festival will be held to celebrate the children and young people of Gwynedd.
‘Wythnos Ni’ between 14th and 20th of November aims to promote the achievements of children and young people in a series of events across Gwynedd as well as showcase the work of organisations who make sure youngsters have the best start in life.
Over fifty organisations have signed up and will contribute to a full programme of activities. The highlights include a conference with the Children’s Commissioner for Wales; a master chef competition and an afternoon of fun with characters from S4C’s Cyw programmes. The week will close with the ‘Llais Ni’ conference for secondary school pupils at Technium Cast, Bangor where youngsters will get to voice their opinions on issues from policing to bullying and their rights in society.
As well as the main events Cerdyn Ni will be available to every child and young person in Gwynedd offering discounts to some of the county’s main attractions as well as reduced bus fares. Gwynedd’s youth clubs have also joined the Cerdyn Ni scheme which means that youngsters can visit their local club for free during Wythnos Ni.
Iwan Trefor Jones, Chair of the event’s organiser Gwynedd Children and Young People’s Partnership, said: “I hope that each child in the county will have an opportunity to take part in Wythnos Ni – either at one of the main events, in activities at school or by taking advantage of Cerdyn Ni reductions and offers.
“Our aim is to make the festival a regular fixture in Gwynedd’s calendar over the coming years.”
Mari Pritchard, Chair of the Wythnos Ni steering group added: “I would like to encourage everyone – children, young people, and parents to take part in Wythnos Ni. It is an excellent opportunity to learn more about what’s available for them in Gwynedd and a chance to enjoy the excitement of the different events across the county during the festival.”
More information about all the events can be found on the Wythnos Ni website www.gwynedd-ni.org.uk/wythnos-ni
Photograph: Gwynedd Children and Young People’s Partnership Chair, Iwan Trefor Jones with young people from the opinions group Clebran, during the official launch of the Gwynedd Children and Young People’s Week at the 2009 National Eisteddfod at Y Bala
