Brand-new Welsh podcast released to support young readers and their families

Youth organisation Urdd Gobaith Cymru has released its first-ever podcast, ‘Podlediad Cylchgrawn Cip’ (Cip magazine’s podcast) to help meet the demand for more Welsh-language reading and listening resources for children.

Every other month, readings of Cip magazine’s stories will be published in podcast and video form. These brand-new audio stories will provide children the opportunity to read and listen to Welsh stories, at home and in the classroom.

As the Urdd approaches its centenary in 2022, the organisation hopes to publish other podcasts in the future.

Cip magazine (for readers aged 7-11) is a free, digital publication, and includes the comic magazine Mellten, created by illustrator Huw Aaron.

The stories will be read by two former Urdd members – Francesca Sciarrillo, winner of the Learner Medal at the Urdd Eisteddfod in 2019, and young actor Iwan Garmon. Francesca jumped at the opportunity to take part in the new podcast:

“Winning that competition at the Cardiff and the Vale Urdd Eisteddfod two years ago was an unforgettable experience – it was, in fact, the best day of my life!” said Francesca, whose parents are from Italy. “This may sound cheesy but learning Welsh and my experiences with the Urdd have changed my life altogether. So, I jumped at the opportunity to take part in this new podcast.

“I feel that reading is a key to the language – that’s the best way to describe my experience as a Welsh learner. This will be another great resource to help children read and enjoy stories in Welsh.”

The podcast’s first episode is now available to download via the usual platforms. September’s story is by author Eurgain Haf, read by Francesca Sciarrillo.

Cip magazine is sent directly to subscribers digitally and is free of charge: urdd.cymru/magazines

The Urdd thanks the Welsh Books Council and the Welsh Government for supporting Cip magazine.