Menter Taf Elái is a Registered Charity which promotes the use of the Welsh language in the Rhondda Cynon Taf area. Its aim is to ensure a full provision for the Welsh language in every area of life by public bodies, voluntary organisations and in the business community. It was formed in 1992 after the National Urdd Eisteddfod in Tonyrefail to increase the opportunities for people of every age to use the Welsh Language for leisure activities, to encourage Welsh education, to help adults learn Welsh and to raise the profile of the Welsh language among local businesses. It initially worked in the Taff Ely area but since 1996 it has taken on the larger area of Rhondda Cynon Taf and is now called Menter Iaith.


Menter Iaith is funded by the Welsh Language Board and support from voluntary donations. The existing finances enables the Menter to employ one full-time to develop the whole range of provisions in the Welsh language. The Menter also employs part-time staff to undertake particular projects particularly in the field of child care. The Menter is managed by an Executive Committee of 16 elected by the Annual General Meeting of the Menter. The purpose of the Executive Committee is to oversee the work of its sub-committees and to provide a lead and direction for the development of the Menter and to secure a solid financial base.

As a result of co-operation with Interlink a successful application was made to the Lotteries Charities Board for a Voluntary Sector Welsh Development Officer. The officer works from the Interlink office and covers the Rhondda Cynon Taf area. A number of further applications for specific projects are being prepared to the Lotteries Board and NOF funds.

There are now Mentrau Iaith in nearly all the county areas in Wales and they are seen as an important part of the strategy to develop the Welsh language. These are partly funded by the Welsh Language Board and in many instances are also funded by the local County Council.

Membership of the Menter Iaith includes all who live, work or receive education in the Rhondda Cynon Taf County and adjoining area and have an interest in developing and promoting the Welsh language.

The Menter works in the following areas:
Leisure and Youth Welsh for Adults
Child Care Fund Raising
Image and Publicity Voluntary Sector

The Menter on its own cannot fulfil all that is required to develop the language in the area. It co-operates with many other organisations and societies who are part of the growing use of Welsh in the life of the County of Rhondda Cynon Taf.



The aim of Menter Iaith is to see the Welsh language as a normal part of every day life in these valleys. The pride which parents show by sending their children to Welsh schools indicates that the Welsh language is valued and an important part of the heritage and future of the county.

We have the support of the Welsh Language Board for our work and look forward to co-operating closely with Rhondda Cynon Taf County Council to give the Welsh language a central role in the future of the county.