Future of Taith International Learning Programme in Jeopardy

The Taith international learning programme, established in Wales in 2022 following the UK's exit from the Erasmus+ student exchange initiative, is facing an uncertain future due to a lack of renewed funding. Designed to provide educational opportunities for individuals from various backgrounds, Taith has reportedly funded approximately twice as many projects as Erasmus+ did, despite operating with a smaller budget. The programme has facilitated around 12,000 trips to nearly 100 countries, with participants primarily coming from schools, youth groups, and adult education centers.

The Guardian

As of now, Taith is scheduled to be phased out by 2028, with no political party committing to re-funding before the upcoming Senedd elections in May. The last application deadline for Taith funding recently closed, raising concerns among supporters about the programme's continuity. A Welsh government spokesperson indicated that any future iteration of Taith would depend on the UK's negotiations with the EU regarding rejoining Erasmus+. The spokesperson emphasized a commitment to ensuring ongoing opportunities for learners while considering the implications of these negotiations.

The Guardian

Taith has been instrumental in providing transformative experiences for participants. Chris Leslie, CEO of Inside Out Support Wales, described a Taith-funded trip to Costa Rica as a "life-changing opportunity" for individuals seeking to rebuild their lives after incarceration. The trip involved researching restorative justice practices and participating in community justice sessions, highlighting the programme's focus on practical learning and personal development.

The Guardian

Other notable projects include Nyas Cymru, which took children from the care system to the UN in Switzerland, and Canolfan Amanwy, which organized a cultural exchange trip to Paris for students with severe learning difficulties. These initiatives demonstrate the diverse applications of Taith and its significant impact on participants.

The Guardian

The demand for Taith funding has surged, with applications reportedly doubling since the programme's inception. Ellie Bevan, head of Taith's programmes team, noted the increasing competitiveness of the application process, underscoring the programme's popularity and the community's need for such opportunities.

The Guardian

Despite its successes, the future of Taith remains precarious, with critics expressing concern over the lack of political commitment to its funding. The uncertainty surrounding the programme's fate has raised questions about the Welsh government's prioritization of educational initiatives in the context of broader political negotiations.

The Guardian

• “Kirsty Williams, a Taith board member and former Welsh education minister, said: “Sometimes being a small nation brings challenges around capacity and ambition, but in this case we really leveraged it; because we are so close to our stakeholders, we can listen and deliver something special.” — Kirsty Williams, Taith Board Member

The Guardian

• “Leslie said: “Six of the 12 who went on the trip had never travelled outside the UK before.” — Chris Leslie, CEO of Inside Out Support Wales

The Guardian

• “There is a huge demand for what Taith does … We are really proud of what we have achieved.” — Ellie Bevan, Head of Taith Programmes Team

The Guardian