In a heartwarming celebration at Nantgaredig Rugby Club, RWE proudly presented the second 'Future Bright' award to Project Cynefin. This event marked the culmination of an innovative initiative driven by six local schools in Carmarthenshire—Ysgol Nantgaredig, Ysgol Llanllwni, Ysgol Cae’r Felin, Ysgol Peniel, Ysgol Llanpumsaint, and Ysgol Abergwili—and funded by the Brechfa Forest West Wind Farm Community Fund and RWE.
The prestigious 'Future Bright' award, part of RWE's Future Bright programme, honours outstanding community projects that make a meaningful and impactful difference to their local neighbourhoods. These community benefit funds, established alongside RWE's renewable energy projects, empower local communities to implement life-changing initiatives that promote social inclusion and economic prosperity.
Katy Woodington, RWE Community Investment Manager, praised the initiative: "Our commitment to community development is unwavering. Project Cynefin exemplifies how we can collectively foster a sense of belonging, pride, and making an active contribution among young learners, ensuring they play a role in shaping and protecting their local environment."
Project Cynefin, initiated in September 2022, aimed to introduce a new approach aligned with the framework of the new Curriculum for Wales. Emphasizing a deep-rooted understanding of the local area, the project has enabled students to explore their rich history and present-day essence while fostering a sense of responsibility for the future.
Charlotte Evans from Ysgol Llanllwni reflected on the project’s impact: "In the face of early challenges, the strength of our project lay in our unity. When we started meeting in person, every challenge became a bridge, bringing us closer together. I learned that when in doubt, there is power in our little collective—because if you don’t know the answer, someone else will."
The celebration event was held on 8th June 2024 at Nantgaredig Rugby Club and featured a showcase of student projects and achievements. With special stage performances by Dafydd Iwan and The Welsh Whisperer, alongside a six-school choir.
There were various activities across the day including art, forest school, sport workshops, and dance and movement and an interactive display highlighting the impact Project Cynefin’s has had on over 500 pupils.
Sharon Phillips from Ysgol Nantgaredig highlighted the sustainability aspect: "Our commitment to sustainability isn't just about using resources wisely; it's about instilling a lasting respect and love for our local environment in every child. We’re planning not just for the next phase, but for the next generation."
Project Cynefin exemplifies community-led initiatives shaping funding approaches. It was initiated by a community panel from the Brechfa Forest West Wind Farm Community Fund, which sought to go beyond funding local buildings and existing groups. The independent panel brought together leaders and teachers from six local primary schools with Local Authority Education Department representatives and together they created a program benefiting 500 students and their teachers.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Director of Education and Children Services, Gareth Morgans said: “Congratulations to all the schools and pupils that have contributed to the success of Project Cynefin and achieving recognition by being awarded with the Future Bright Award. It is evident that our schools instil the importance of community to our learners from a young age and, as County Council, we are very proud of them.”
RWE's funding programs empower local residents to shape and influence their communities' development directly. Project Cynefin is a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision for the future.
To learn more about RWE's community fund programmes and the impactful projects supported by Future Bright, visit here.
Pictures for media use (credit: RWE) are available at the RWE Media Centre
