Young writers celebration of the National Assembly
To celebrate and mark the 10th anniversary of the National Assembly for Wales, 12 different Young People’s Writing Squads from across South Wales came together in the Senyddand Ty Hywelbuildings in Cardiff Bay last month to work with some of Wales’ leading writers.
58 young people from 8 local authorities took part in the event, including Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthen, Neath Port Talbot, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Blaenau Gwent and Swansea.
Forming part of Academi’s activities to develop and enhance Young People’s Writing Squads with its additional funding from an Arts Council for Wales’ Beacon Company Award, the squads aim to locate gifted writers in each authority region and introduce them to some of Wales’ leading writers and teachers of writing.
During the event, the young writers were given guided tours of the buildings by the Assembly’s Education Officers, took part in a debate in the former debating chamber Siambr Hywel and had the chance to meet some of their local Assembly Members, including AM Peter Black and AM Nerys Evans.
In the afternoon, the children worked with some of Wales’ leading writers and produced over fifty poems about the Senydd. Academi will be publishing a selection of the works in a brochure to commemorate the day.
Here is a taste of the work the young writers created:
My day at the Senedd
Its grand wooden roof an accurate replica of the calm Cardiff waves.
Its huge glass windows displaying the amazing beauty the Bay provides.
Its heavy slate floor creating an unfamiliar texture beneath my feet.
The mighty glass panels surrounding the debating chamber
Which hold the keys to the Welsh future, light up the room.
The most amazing piece of art work at the heart of the huge buildings.
Its grand beauty bringing thousands of people from across the world
To the country we are all proud to call our own.
The sound of patriotic visitors praising its uniqueness.
I can feel the warmth the great glass windows draw from the sunlight,
The smell of the nearby docks creeping up my nose.
As I leave the magnificent building, I walk through the huge glass doors.
I look over my shoulder and am taken in by its beauty all over again.
Laura Caughlin, 12
Blaenau Gwent Writing Squad
