Independent evaluation highlights the life-changing opportunities provided by the Taith programme
An interim evaluation of Taith, conducted by social and economic researchers Wavehill – https://www.wavehill.com/, has highlighted the profound impact the programme is having on individuals and communities across Wales, particularly among underrepresented groups.
The report shows that at present, 44% of Taith participants come from underrepresented backgrounds, exceeding the programme’s 40% target.
This focus on accessibility is central to Taith’s mission of making international exchange opportunities more inclusive and equitable. The programme has also facilitated global connections, engaging with 98 countries, more than double its original target. It is also on track to meet its aim of establishing 50 long-term partnerships, with 48 already in place.
There has been a large demand for Taith, with the programme oversubscribed and receiving significantly more interest than Erasmus+ over a similar timeframe. Stakeholders have also praised Taith’s accessibility and the professionalism of the team behind it.
One stakeholder commented:
There is no other programme like this internationally…Initially there was lots of narrative around plugging gaps of Turing and replacing Erasmus, but it’s become so much more than that.
Schools across Wales have also seen the benefits first-hand. Staff at Ysgol Pen Y Bryn said the support from Taith had made a real difference:
It’s one of the best funds I’ve been fortunate enough to receive. The support you get before the process of applying – webinars, 1-2-1s, we worked alongside three people within the team. They’re all at hand … We wouldn’t have been able to do this without Taith… They gave extra funding if pupils needed passports. It’s amazing. Parents have said they would never have been able to afford this.
Teachers at Tan Y Lan primary school highlighted the cultural impact on pupils:
They get this new cultural appreciation… to try local food, speak new languages. We live in a quite deprived area, so it’s giving them the experience of a different culture and way of life.
The programme has been rated as offering Good to Excellent value for money across most performance indicators, according to the evaluation.
With its inclusive approach and growing global reach, Taith is fast becoming a model for international exchange, transforming lives and raising aspirations across Wales.
You can read more on the independent evaluation process and the Interim Evaluation Executive Summary here
Latest news from the programme.
