Cyfanfyd’s Annual Forum took place at the Small World Theatre in Cardigan on 19th May 2009. The focus of the day was ESDGC: a European dimension. Pete Davies the UK Development Education representative to CONCORD, the Europe-wide network of non-governmental development organisations, gave a key note speech about the work of CONCORD and DEEEP (the Development Education European Exchange Project) and talked about the opportunities and benefits available to organisations through developing links with Europe. These were discussed by members who were keen to hear about funding opportunities as well as opportunities to work with like-minded organisations.
Attendees at the Annual Forum also heard about some of the excellent work that is being carried out in Wales by organisations who have benefitted from the DFID Mini Grant programme that is administered by Cyfanfyd Jonathan Rigby talked about the Edwardsville Sustainable Building and Food project, Helen Bradley described the Partnership project in Rhondda Cynon Taff and Betsan Ifan gave an overview of Dolen Cymru’s work with MENCAP Wales to develop learning resources for ESDGC for people with special educational needs.
The Chairman’s Report, Co-ordinator’s Report and Financial Report were delivered and approved by the meeting and members were then invited to discuss issues that might form a basis for Cyfanfyd’s contribution and input to the consultation event being organised by WAG to begin to develop a strategy for ESDGC in Wales for the next five years.