22 April 2021
With the voting age lowered to 16 at the Parliamentary Election, we will be hearing the views of some of Wales' new voters in special coverage this week on S4C.
In a new programme Etholiad '21: Taswn i'n Brif Weinidog Cymru ( Election '21: If I were the First Minister), to be broadcast on Monday the 26th of April at 9.30pm on S4C, young people from all over Wales will have their say on Welsh politics.
From Fishguard to Bethesda and Pontypool, various groups of young people are giving their views on the issues that matter to them during the election campaign.
"I feel very proud to be able to vote, and happy that my voice can make a difference, because that's democracy at the end of the day" said 17-year-old Dafydd Hedd from Bethesda while chatting with her friend.
"I've seen how political some of my friends have become in the last year, and this is their opportunity, to use their vote", adds his friend Owain Sion Jones.
Social Justice, the environment, diversity, agriculture and mental health are some of the big issues being addressed, but independence and dissolution of Parliament are also hot topics for the 16 and 17-year-old.
"Young people - we are the future of Wales. And so what's important to us now is that we need to change to get what we want. We want a fair, inclusive Wales "explains Mali Griffiths, from Cardiff.
"It feels like no one is listening to us. Politicians are always saying environment, environment, environment,… .what have they done? Is it prioritised? That's a reason why we need to vote, "said Georgia Tomlin, in Pontypool.
The election content has been produced by ITV Cymru Wales for Hansh, and funded with the support of the Young Audiences Content Fund, which is financed by the UK government and managed by the BFI (British Film Institute).
The fund supports the creation of distinctive content for children and young people, which entertain, educate and reflect the experiences and lives of today's young people across the United Kingdom.
There will be 9 individual Hansh videos on S4C Clic over the next week as well as additional content on social platforms as part of the Hansh Dim Sbin election campaign.
Rhodri ap Dyfrig, S4C's Online Commissioner, said: "Being able to give young people a platform to speak up and discuss politics is certainly a priority for S4C.
"Politics is for everyone and our series of videos on Hansh as well as the main screen programme is a chance to hear from young contributors from across Wales.
"With 16-year-olds being able to vote this year for the first time, it's certainly an important turning point and it's key that we respond to that and ensure that young people are at the heart of the election."
"This year's Parliamentary Election is a historic moment for the young people of Wales and it is vital that they have interesting, purposeful content in Welsh, as well as the information they need to engage and participate in the election," said Branwen Thomas, ITV Cymru Wales' Welsh content editor."
Etholiad '21: Taswn i'n Brif Weinidog Cymru
Monday 26 Ebrill, 9.30
English Subtitles
On demand: S4C Clic, iPlayer and other platforms
An ITV Cymru production for S4C
