Children from Mynydd Cynffig Junior School and Ysgol Dewi Sant, Llantwit Major, will be launching a new song at the Urdd Eisteddfod as part of an initiative aimed at helping pupils speak out on global issues.
International development agency Christian Aid and The Church in Wales joined forces last year (2024) to launch Global Neighbours Cymru – or Cymdogion Byd-Eang.
This year, they are adding a new addition to the resources – a song written by Welsh musician, presenter and actor Martyn Geraint. And it will be performed for the first time at the Urdd Eisteddfod at Margam Park, Port Talbot, on Wednesday, May 28 by Martyn and a young choir. They will be in the ‘Adlen’ tent on the Eisteddfod field at 11.30am.
Martyn appeared in Dr Who in 1987 and was a presenter on S4C for 15 years on Slot Meithrin and Planed Plant Bach. He also presented Dechrau Canu, Dechrau Canmol for three years.
He said: “My main work, after I trained as a teacher, has been writing and performing catchy songs for children and I’ve been very blessed to be able to have nearly a 40-year career.
“On this song, it was the words which came first. Once I heard about the project I immediately thought of a greeting I’ve used in many shows over the years as an ice-breaker. I ask the children if they’re a friendly bunch and just to check if they are or not, I ask them to turn to their friend sitting next to them and say: “Helo, sut wyt ti?” (Hello, how are you?), which turned out to be the first words of the chorus of the song.”
Martyn has kept the lyrics simple so children who are fluent in Welsh can sing it, as well as those who are learning the language.
“I tried to use phrases children use in everyday life,” he added. “I wanted them to realise that as they made friends with each other in a local setting, they could take that further by understanding that all the humans around the world are the same and we have the potential to be friends with everyone.”
The Global Neighbours Cymru accreditation scheme is open to all primary schools in Wales with three levels – Bronze, Silver and Gold – and a variety of initiatives which encourage children to think of others throughout the world.
Head of Christian Aid Cymru, Mari McNeill, said: “This initiative aims to increase Welsh learners’ understanding of the root causes of poverty and injustice, and to engage and empower pupils as agents of change in the transformation of our world.
“As well as learning about issues such as global poverty, it encompasses taking actions locally like litter picking, clothes swaps, engaging with local businesses about single use plastic, and inviting community leaders to make a difference too. Supporting the Curriculum for Wales, the scheme encourages learners to explore how influences, decisions and actions impact on us and on others, now and for future generations.”
Rebecca Elliott, Christian Aid Wales Youth and Education Officer, said: “We’re delighted the children from both Ysgol Dewi Sant and Mynydd Cynffig Primary School will be performing this song and are so pleased to be adding it to our resources. It sits nicely with existing songs by Scottish group Fischy Music, which will soon be available in Welsh too.
“We know schools in Wales are already doing great work in global citizenship and are excited to see them continue on their Global Neighbours Cymru journey, empowering young people to be informed, ethical citizens who play their part in challenging global injustice.”
For more information on Global Neighbours Cymru and to sign up please visit the Get Involved section of the Christian Aid website.
