157.This section sets the objective of the Learning Welsh Institute. The main role of the Learning Welsh Institute is to support people to learn Welsh, and facilitate their progression, so that more people learn the language and improve their skills. This is intended to help achieve the objectives of Cymraeg 2050, which are to increase the number of Welsh speakers and increase the use of the language. Section 39(2) imposes duties on the Learning Welsh Institute in order to meet this objective.
158.Section 39(4) gives the Learning Welsh Institute power in relation to the co-ordinating and commissioning research on teaching or learning Welsh, and gives it powers to advise any person on teaching or learning Welsh and to provide financial support to any person in relation to teaching or learning Welsh. It also allows the Learning Welsh Institute to do anything else, related to supporting people to learn Welsh, and facilitating their progress, if it considers it appropriate to achieve targets set in the National Framework on Welsh Language Education and Learning Welsh under section 24(8).
159.The Welsh language learning provision designed and developed for learners over compulsory school age under section 39(2)(f) must include a variety of matters as set out in section 39(5)(a) to (c), for example by providing a variety of courses, activities and resources at different learning levels, and in different locations. This may include providing various levels of Welsh courses in person as well as online. This is intended to make appropriate provision readily available to all who are already learning Welsh, or wish to learn Welsh, in order to facilitate learners’ progression through the different levels of learning Welsh. The Learning Welsh Institute is required to base the learning levels on the common reference levels contained in the Schedule 1 table, and on the Code to describe ability in Welsh published by the Welsh Ministers (see section 6).
Commentary on Sections Part 5 - National Institute for Learning Welsh and Schedule 2 - National Institute for Learning Welsh Section 39 - Facilitating and supporting lifelong Welsh language learning