DURING the constraints of Cofid19, a new adventure for the young people of Wales was developed online, as they came to learn about their history, stone by stone, through Minecraft.

Mentrau Iaith Cymru, and in particular Menter Iaith Môn and Dinbych have worked together to offer young people digital opportunities through the Welsh language whilst building significant buildings in Welsh history.

Castell Dinas Brân near Llangollen and the village of Capel Celyn, situated near Bala which was flooded to create a reservoir for Liverpool in 1965, have already been built and broadcast live on social media, which allows everyone to watch it at any time.

Richard Owen, Menter Iaith Môn, explained on behalf of the project: “The spirit of our grandparents lives on in these young people, when you see the energy and ingenuity they have in rebuilding their heritage on Minecraft.

"We are about to release a video showing in minutes how Castell Dinas Bran rose from the first stone to a great structure. The village of Capel Celyn, including the Chapel, is also a marvel, but of course history is history so there may be surprises for some of the children as the village disappears under the floodwater of the Tryweryn dam.

"In essence, the activity allows young people to socialize and work together in Welsh, essential skills for the future workplace, while also having fun and developing a greater depth of understanding of their history.”

The next project will be to recreate Aberlleiniog Castle. The original pilot group were children local to Ynys Môn, Dinbych and Caerffili, but it’s planned now to extend the project to include 7-11 year old children from across Wales.

However, given the popularity of the project, participants who have been verified by Menter Iaith Môn will be registered on a first-come first-served basis. The initial registration can be made by emailing your contact details to rich@mentermon.com.

For a taster of the work click on www.facebook.com/watch/?v=268426441136143