We were quite happy with the progress of Bible translation. We had successfully translated the Bible into 21

A lady in the literacy class reading a Turkana Bible

languages out of the 53 languages in Kenya…then one question came up, what about those who cannot read and write? It hit us hard and we wanted to bring a solution to this problem.

So we began the literacy program. This is an initiative to teach people, especially in marginalized communities how to read in their mother tongue and write so as to equip them with Bible reading skills. This way our translation work would not be in vain as the reading skills acquired by the learners would be used in other areas of their lives. The first literacy classes were held among the Maasai and Pokot communities where the learners advanced to formal education. From our

interaction with the beneficiaries, we have learnt that the knowledge acquired has helped them to run their business better, help their children with homework, use their mobile phones and improved communication amongst community members.

It was a joy to see 150 students graduate after a period of six months and later join the government adult education program where they will be introduced to formal subjects including; Kiswahili, English and Arithmetic level 1. Currently, the literacy programme is being conducted among the Turkana people in 10 learning centres with about 250 students. To this point, we are happy that not only do we translate the Bible into different languages but we also help people in learning how to read the Bible so that they may apply it in their lives.

Learners display their newly acquired Turkana Bibles

“I have been a pastor of the ACK Kapua Church but never gone to school, but I can read the Bible in small portions in Ngaturkana language. My biggest challenge is writing. When I learnt that the Bible Society of Kenya is starting a class in my church, I was excited that God had finally answered my prayers after a long time. I mobilized people within the area, especially women to turn up and learn. I believe this is empowerment that is going to change the lives of many people in my village. I normally come on a daily basis and help the teacher to follow up with the learners especially when they have gone to graze in the fields, as the biggest challenge is food and water for animals and individuals. I have finally realized my dream to see a generation that is able to learn and there is positive behavior change.” Says Estiglan Naomi – ACK Kapua learning center 

To partner with us on this project donate through pay bill 518100 or Dial * 288#.