Mr. Lopeiyok conducting a training session under a tree

Graduates of the Bible Society of Kenya literacy programme received copies of the Turkana Bible on March 27th 2019. These Bibles were donated by a well-wisher to enable the learners practice their reading skills and grow spiritually.

Miss Paulina Kaile, one of the graduates from Loborot learning center, was elated after receiving her first vernacular Bible. She greatly thanked the Society for enabling her to read and write through the programme and promised to read it regularly.

“I am so excited to receive this wonderful Bible. I can now hear God speak in my own language. I thank God for BSK especially for making me know how to read and write. I can confidently read and will do so many times.” Said Miss Kaile.

This happened during a visit to Turkana by the literacy coordinator Mr. Joseph Irungu who went to oversee the establishment of ten new learning centers for use during the next phase of the programme that will begin in May 2019.  Mr. Irungu expressed his excitement over the growth of the programme and personal growth of the learners since last year.

“I am glad to see the positive change in the learners’ lives since last year. It is encouraging to see that the learners can now read the word of God in their own language. I am especially excited about the new centres which will create space for more learners to learn how to read and write and in turn grow spiritually by reading the Bible.” Said Mr. Irungu.

During this programme learners are taught how to read and write from scratch. After this, the learners are enrolled in formal education to learn subjects like English, Swahili and Arithmetic.

Learners read their newly acquired Turkana Bibles

Mr. Dennis Lopeiyok, a teacher at Nariamao center situated under a tree, said the new centres would be of great importance since they would house the learners who formerly had their learning sessions under a tree.

‘’ I volunteer my time to teach people from this area since I realized majority have never gone to school. We often meet under a tree since there are no physical structures in this very hot area. This is the same place where people gather for church or communal activities. I will be glad when BSK establishes this center as a place of learning so that eventually the community will appreciate the value of education” Said Mr. Lopeiyok.

These new centers will create space to accommodate a higher number of learners compared to last year, 2018. This year, there is an expected turnout of 500 learners for the six month training course. This will include pastors who wish to expand their knowledge in the Turkana Language.