MENTER Iaith Môn have praised the successful Pen Pals scheme which is designed to bring together generations of children and older people in society.

Having seen the extensive interest in Gwynedd's Pen Pals project, which is run through Gwynedd Council's Bridging the Generations scheme, Menter Iaith in Anglesey decided to offer the same scheme to the island's residents.

Pen Pals Ynys Môn was established back in October 2021 by running a pilot with children at Henblas Primary School, Llangristiolus.

The scheme offers children extra-curricular Welsh writing opportunities, educates them about the art of writing a letter, and builds relationships through words.

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In addition, the scheme offers helps tackle loneliness among the older participants and gives them the opportunity to practice their Welsh writing, offering new experiences through new friendships.

Huw Jones, headteacher of Henblas Primary School, said: "The Pen Pals scheme has been an extremely exciting project for pupils at Henblas.

“Not only a special resource for them to practice their writing skills, but a great way to get to know new people in our society and find out more about their stories"

One older resident who was part of the scheme was Sydna Roberts, who happens to be a former Henblas pupil.

North Wales Chronicle: Some of the Welsh language letters from pupils.Some of the Welsh language letters from pupils.

"I received a very entertaining letter by post from a little girl called Casi who is a pupil at Henblas Primary School, my old school,” said Ms Roberts, adding: "This scheme by Menter Iaith Môn is very special.

“It is a special way of sharing stories, usually between generations who would never write together.

“I would urge anyone to be part of this scheme."

One of Menter Iaith Môn's main aims by running this scheme is to offer new and consistent opportunities for children and people to use the Welsh language.

There is also an objective to see the older generation pass on their history, language and entertaining stories to the younger generation in a fun, friendly and natural manner.

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Aaron Morris, project officer at Pen Pals, said: "The school is a very important source of transferring the Welsh language to children and young people, and it is true to say that the school is the only source of Welsh that some children from non-Welsh speaking households receive.

“The pandemic has highlighted the need for schemes such as 'Pen Pals' to provide wider opportunities for children to develop Welsh language communication and written skills."

Mr Morris said: "The scheme has also been a special resource for older people in our society, particularly now.

“The pandemic has been a very difficult and lonely time for them, and it is very pleasing to enable them to receive a letter from a local school pupil."