It’s about the journey

As plans come together for the Band’s tour to Japan, Iestyn Davies and Shoko Doherty explain how Welsh Government backed programme Taith has facilitated the international learning experience.

Taith is Welsh for Journey. It’s the name adapted by a wide range of education groups and the Welsh Government for the overarching programme created to replace Erasmus+ when the UK left the European Union. Welsh Government funded international learning exchange programme for Wales. It is for people in every part of Wales, in every education sector – schools, youth, adult education, further education, vocational education and training, and higher education, and every education type – formal, informal and non-formal.

Taith has two grant funding opportunities:

Pathway 1, which supports organisations based in Wales to send their learners, young people, staff and volunteers on an international learning exchange. Pathway 1 - Taith

Pathway 2, which supports educational innovation in Wales through international collaborations. Pathway 2 - Taith 

Shoko Doherty a Trustee of the Band explained the basis of the funding bid saying, “The funding we have received, as part of the Adult Education sector, and has come from Pathway 1 funding.

“We knew that alongside the many things a brass band achieves, one of its key roles is to be an opportunity for adults to continue their education in an informal setting. That’s as true in Japan as it is here in Wales.”

Iestyn Davies, who’s advised the band on its initial application added, “Applying for funding such as Taith calls for bands to consider the wider impact of their work. A clear opportunity we have is to promote Welsh culture, heritage and language and demonstrate how Wales is an outward looking, collaborative and welcoming country.

“Learning from bands in Japan enables us to embed an international approach to our work and importantly to learn how other countries are sometimes well ahead of us and are innovating and growing their work. Each of these things are consistent with the impact Taith is seeking to achieve.”

Reflecting on the upcoming exchange, Susana Galván Hernández, Executive Director of Taith said, “We are delighted to be funding the Tongwynlais Temperance Band and their international learning exchange visit to Japan.  This project will enrich cultural and educational exchanges via the global brass band movement and provide opportunities for sharing of best practice between both nations.  We are encouraged by the bands focus on inclusivity and educational innovation, and we’re look forward to hearing about their learning experience when they return.”

Further information on Taith can be found on their website www.taith.wales