'Life-changing' international learning scheme in Wales at risk of closure
The Taith programme, which provides international learning opportunities in Wales, faces closure due to a lack of funding and political commitment ahead of upcoming elections.
The Taith programme, meaning 'journey' in Welsh, was established in 2022 in response to the UK's exit from the Erasmus+ programme, aiming to offer international learning opportunities to participants from schools, youth groups, and adult education centers in Wales. This initiative has proven to be influential, particularly for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, with funding supporting approximately twice as many projects in its short lifespan compared to Erasmus+. However, despite its successes and broader reach, the future of Taith hangs in the balance due to the absence of renewed funding, as the program is set to be phased out by 2028 if no political party commits to its future before the Senedd elections scheduled for May.