The Word of God in Braille and improved livehood for PVDs in Kongwa.
Project Summary
Scripture & Prayer
People with visual impairment are stigmatized and discriminated by the community in Tanzania; and therefore their needs are given little attention.
Dodoma is the leading region with higher number of visually impaired persons in Tanzania because of trachoma infection. It is estimated that 32% of the entire population of people with disability are persons with visual disability.
In this project the Bible Society of Tanzania wants to address one of these challenges, which is to provide them with user friendly Scripture materials for them to read and listen.; so as the Word of God may transform their life.
In implementing this project the Bible Society of Tanzania intends to distribute 200 Braille Bible portions and 300 Audio Bibles to 500 people out of 4,869 people with visual disabilities in Kongwa District.
Also BST will link PVDs with financial institutions to enable them to get support in their small entrepreneurship; so as to improve them economically; because majority of them are in rural areas and they are very poor.
Key Verse
Mathew 28:16-20
Prayer points
Pray for availability of funds
Pray for translators as they continue with translation of the Old Testament.
Pray for the Translation consultant as he continue checking books online especially during this time with the COVID 19 Pandemic.
This project is in line with both the Philadelphia promise and the Bible Society of Tanzania strategic plan (2018-2022)
Project Goal
To reach 500 people with visual disabilities out of 4869 (PVDs) in Kongwa district with the Word of God in Braille form and audio Bibles so as to meet their spiritual needs.
Specific objectives
To produce and distribute 200 Braille Bible portions (four Gospels) to people with visual disabilities.
To provide 300 Audio Bibles to those who are not literate in Braille(New Testament)
To have complete Bible in Braille.
How this project will help the beneficiaries
They will have access to friendly user Scriptures.
They will be nurtured by the Word of God.
Non-Christian people with visual disabilities will have the opportunity to encounter with the Word of God.
The Word of God will transform their lives.
Children and Vulnerable Adults
This project is targeting visually disabled children and adults alike, and therefore the project is inclusive.
Safeguarding
To call upon all stakeholders (community members, government agencies, the church and community based organizations) to ensure that the visually disabled are respected as equal human beings and therefore deserving all human rights including access to the Word of God and other like benefits.
To have the entire Bible published in Chasu language by the end of 2030 so that it can be used by the Vahasu Church, and can be read by Chasu speakers.
This is an ongoing project geared towards providing Scriptures to Children from kindergarten stage to primary school level. The Bible Society is now specifically focusing on development of appropriate Scripture material for children on the understanding that it is good and appropriate to provide Christian nurture right from the early age of childhood than waiting until they are youths because children learn things and catch up faster at infancy than at youth stage. So the Bible Society of Tanzania to undertake so as to help build their faith foundation as future adult Christians.Children who are exposed to Scriptures since childhood will have their lives transformed and therefore would cherish their faith even if they happen to meet obstacles on their path of faith at later stages of their lives, and the seed planted during childhood will regenerate and bring them back. Proverb 22:6 ‘Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. “How can we do that? Yes, we can love them, teach them morals, provide them with needs like education, meals and protection but can we really succeed doing that without introducing to them the Word of God? That will be impossible. Waiting to provide children with Scriptures at the youth stage can find us not only time barred but also an opportunity lost because at the youth stage they might not be available and out of control or already ruined by the world. Population statistics of Tanzania show that children constitute 46% of the population and that on average a household in Tanzania has at least five children. This population magnitude of children in Tanzania signifies the importance proposed project.
Project Goal
2019
To distribute 60,000 copies of Children Bibles in all regions of Tanzania.
Project goal’s relationship to overall bible society strategy
The Bible Society seeks to make available Bibles to all audiences in the country in language and formats that suit them, at languages they can understand better, and at prices they can afford.
Children are among vital audiences addressed in our strategic objectives – the future Church of Christ.
Tanzania Government is also an opportunity
Ministry of National in Tanzania government encourages religious organization to supply books of their faith like Bibles and Quran. This is an opportunity for Bible Society to reach these children with scriptures.
Strategic Fit
Connecting your project to your Bible Society’s overall mission strategy
How does your project relate to the Philadelphia Promise?
The project relates well with the Philadelphia Promise. The Philadelphia Promise focus at all audiences reaching them with appropriate Scriptures that address their faith and spiritual needs. Children are one of the very important audiences to be addressed.
About the beneficiaries
How did you arrive at your beneficiary impact number?
Tanzania has twenty five geographical regions. In this project the Bible Society of Tanzania targets to serve twenty five primary schools in each region.It is estimated that each region will be served with 4000 scriptures that will make a total of 100000 scriptures.
Beneficiary focus
The focused beneficiaries in this project are children of 5 to 14 years old. Children need to be brought up in a way that they will uphold Biblical morals and live as responsible Christians. http://www.prb.org/Publications/PolicyBriefs/tanzania.aspx). According to the Population and Housing Census of 2012,Tanzania had 45million people,46% of whom were Children.Based on the average population growth of 2.9%,Tanzania is now estimated to have a population of 56million people,with slightly over 75% living in rulal areas. Based on the estimates of the present total population of Tanzania; children are estimated to be about 25million. It Sociologists and Religious leaders estimate that Christians number between 30% and 40%. We have therefore about six million children to care for.
-The children are still in elementary and primary schools. It is at this time when they can learn and remember lot about faith and mostly affected by peer group pressure.
-Most of the children come from low income families and cannot afford to pay the full cost of the Bible, hence the need for heavily subsidised Scriptures
How have the needs and perspective of the beneficiaries helped shape the design of the project?
Thorough research was taken to establish the children’s need for Scriptures:
(1) It was found out that though children form the majority group in the demographic structure of Tanzania they were the list addressed group in terms of Scriptures.
(2) It was found out that in Tanzania the English language is gaining prominence and parents were now sending their children to English medium schools to help them cope with the situation. As a result of this finding the Bible Society is concentrating on Swahili/English diglot Scriptures for children. However, Swahili only Scriptures are also being distributed.
National Context
-The children are still in elementary and primary schools. It is at this time when they can learn and remember a lot about faith and mostly affected by peer group pressure.
-Most of the children come from low income families and cannot afford to pay the full cost of the Bible, hence the need for heavily subsidized Scriptures.
– Government statistics provide that children form 46% of the country’s population of 54 million.
– Informal religious statistics estimate that about 30% of the children are Christian.
– Research also reveal that there are very few Scripture publications for children in the country and therefore there is an urgent need to address the situation.
Need
The Bible Society’s strategic plan stipulates that each Christian segment should be supplied with appropriate Scripture needs, and that children are one of the most important segments of the society who need very special attention in terms of Scripture material for nurture in their faith. Hitherto, the Bible Society did not have the right Scriptures for children a situation that categorized them with adults by providing them with similar Scriptures that was appropriate to the adults and not them. We have realized the need to keep on our strategic plan and would like to develop and provide them with Scriptures specifically designated to meet their needs and taste. The church has the role to teach the children and the Bible Society has the obligation to provide them with the required Scriptures.
How this project will help the beneficiaries
The Bible Society is now specifically focusing on development of appropriate Scripture material for children on the understanding that waiting until the children are youths before providing them with scriptures was inappropriate practice because children learn about faith faster at infancy than as youths. Children Scriptures build up their faith foundation as future Christians. Children who are exposed to Scriptures since childhood would never forget God in their lives and even if they happen to meet obstacles on their path of faith at later stages of their lives, the seed planted in childhood will regenerate and bring them back. Proverb 22:6 ‘Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”How can we do that? Yes, we can love them, teach them morals, provide them with needs like education, meals and protection but can we really succeed doing that without introducing to them the Word of God? That will be impossible. Waiting to provide children with Scriptures as youths can find us time barred. It would be an opportunity lost because they might not be available and out of control or already ruined by the world. Statistics show that children in Tanzania constitute 46% of the population and that on average a household in Tanzania has at least five children, http://www.tanzania.go.tz/pdf/childdevelopmentpolicy.
Scripture & Prayer
Key Verse
Psalms 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and he is old, he will not depart from it”
Prayer points
-Pray for availability of funds for the purchase of the Scriptures
– Pray that the Scriptures bring about the required impact on the children
Project Activities
Project activities
2019
Scriptures will be ordered by November 2018
– Delivery of Scriptures ordered – February 2019
-Distribution: March to December 2019
-Interim reports in April, July, October and December
-Evaluation: December 2019
Project partners
The Church in Tanzania is partnering with the Bible society in identifying developing the appropriate Scripture material for children. On the other hand, the Bible Society will distribute the Scriptures in Churches, Holistic centers and Schools because the Tanzania Government is very positive to distribution of Religious materials in Schools.
Outputs & Impacts
Outputs from the project
2019
Scriptures to be distributed include:
– Swahili Children Bibles -5,000
– Children in the Bible (diglot) – 5,000
– My First Handy Bible (diglot) – 5,000
– Maneno ya Hekima Portions – 10,000
A total of 25,000 Scriptures to be distributed among children in Kindergarten and Primary Schools.
2018
Scriptures to be distributed include:
– Swahili Children Bibles – 40,000
– My First Handy Bible – 10,000
– Children Bible Picture books – 10,000
A total of 60,000 Scriptures to be distributed among children in Kindergarten and Primary Schools.
Impact
Impact 1
Short term impact: Children reading the books will get knowledge about God at young ages (which according to the Scripture) will most likely stick in their minds up to old age.
-Medium term impact: God loving children will become good and responsible youth of the future who would live exemplary lives for others to follow for their personal advancement eradicate unpleasing cultural beliefs which have been inherited from generations including gender based violence. It will build greater participation in national development.
-Long term impact: The children will grow up as Christians and will build the future church and Nation that is strong as expressed in the Bible Society log ” Lets build our Country on the foundation of the Word of God” .
Indicators
– Children will be talking about biblical stories among themselves, and the community at large.
– Motivation and increased attendance in Sunday Schools
– Increased demand for Children’s Scriptures
– Change in behavior in areas where scriptures distributed due to lesson learned from Bible stories.
Tracking
The impact will be measured by questionnaires, personal interviews with teachers, parents, pastors, and children.
Tracking unexpected outcomes
Visits to schools, families, and records from law enforcing institutions.
Supporting Information
Research
Introducing the Bible to the children created a passion for the children to further reading of the Bible at their youth stage and later in adulthood. Mr. Edward started reading the Bible as a child of five years (his father Jonah used to read the Bible to him as a child). That created the passion for him to read the Bible on his own. He struggled and at the age of 15 he acquired a copy of his own. This man is today the marketing manager of the Bible Society of Tanzania. He has already distributed millions of Bibles to Tanzanians. The seed that was grown early in life has grown to a big faith and great service. He trained as a teacher but later decided to join the Bible Society in order to make the word of God to others to build the kingdom of God. Rose Mtingele is a grandmother with a three year grand child. She reads some few verses to the little boy daily and it is amazing how responsive and passionate the boy is. He is always demanding to get stories from the Bible. He has being moulded to be a friend of the Bible. There are many other examples of people who started reading the Bible as children and have grown to be leaders in spreading the word of God
Testimonies
Introducing the Bible to the children created a passion for the children to further reading of the Bible at their youth stage and later in adulthood. Mr. Edward started reading the Bible as a child of five years (his father Jonah used to read the Bible to him as a child). That created the passion for him to read the Bible on his own. He struggled and at the age of 15 he acquired a copy of his own. This man is today the Marketing Manager of the Bible Society of Tanzania. He has already distributed millions of Bibles to Tanzanians.
Leadership track record
The Project leader is an employee of the Bible Society of Tanzanian for over 30 years now. He has distributed millions of Bibles in the country through normal sales distribution, and distribution projects like End 2 End (funded by American Bible Society). He has also successfully managed Faith Comes By hearing (FCBH) and Literacy projects, all implemented by the Society of Tanzania.
In general, the Bible Society has a good leadership track record in project implementation – that includes apart from those mentioned above – HIV/AIDS, 10 translations, Trauma Healing, and Scriptures for prisoners.
External references
“The Bible Society is a very important organization in the country. God bless you for this noble task you are undertaking – reaching all Tanzanians with the precious Word of God. This task should not be taken for granted” Mr. Mtui, the Marketing Manager of the Danish Lutheran Mission (Soma Biblia) in Tanzania.
Best practices
Implement projects timely
Report timely
We implement and manage projects with high integrity
The translation project for Kihehe Bible started in January 2001 and was expected to end in December; 2016. However, due to reasons beyond our control including inadequate funding the completion date has been revised to 2020.The Translation of the New Testament was completed and published and officially launched in September 2010; and the translation of the Old Testament is still in progress, with all books already translated and few of the books needed to be checked by our Translation Consultant. This is the first Bible translation for Kihehe speakers.
In 2020 we plan to continue with harmonization the the OT and NT, Community review, Computer Assisted Publisher (CAP) checks and Translation Consultant’s (TC’s) checks.
It is desired that in 2020 the following activities will be carried out:-
Continue harmonization all OT and NT
Community reviewing
CAP checks of all the books
Translation Consultant checks of all the remaining books.
Publishing and printing the book of Proverbs as a Portion
Para-text training for translators
CAP follow up and monitoring
Proofreading the Kihehe Bible
Typesetting, printing and publishing Kihehe Bible
Traditionally the Kihehe community is marred by evil practices such as committing suicides, witchcraft, alcoholism, polygamy and adultery. Kihehe speakers have longed to have the Bible in their mother tongue for many years; so the continuing translation is a blessing to this community. The request for translation of the Bible in Kihehe came from the churches in the project area and the chosen translators were recommended by the churches and the local community. The Bible Society is experienced in working with translation projects and therefore, we will use easy language so that the message of the Bible is accessed to all kihehe readers, and therefore have positive effect on church growth and deepening of personal faith that will lead to changed behavior in the community by minimizing the bad practices. Also having the Bible in their language will not only help them to understand the Bible better, but it will also help preserve their language and cultural heritage.
It is targeted that a total of 1,457,000 people will benefit from this project.Our partners in this project are Lutheran, Moravian, Anglican, Roman Catholic and Pentecostal churches in the project area. The Bible Society has learnt that, Church involvement in the Bible cause brings great success to Bible translation work.
This project is in line with the Philadelphia promise and the Bible Society of Tanzania Strategic Plan (2018 – 2022)
2019
The translation project for Kihehe Bible started in January 2001 and was expected to end in December; 2016. However, due to reasons beyond our control including inadequate funding the completion date has been revised to 2020.The Translation of the New Testament was completed and published and officially launched in September 2010; and the translation of the Old Testament is still in progress, with some of the books already translated and checked by our Translation Consultant.
This is the first Bible translation for Kihehe speakers. In 2019 we plan to continue with harmonization, review, Computer Assisted Publisher (CAP) checks and Translation Consultant’s (TC’s) checks.
It is desired that in 2019 the following activities will be carried out:-
Continue harmonization all the books from Genesis to Revelation
Reviewing all the Books
CAP checks of all the books
Translation Consultant checks of all the remaining books.
Publishing and printing the book of Proverbs as a Portion
Para-text training for translators
CAP follow up and monitoring
Traditionally the Kihehe community is marred by evil practices such as committing suicides, witchcraft, alcoholism, polygamy and adultery. Kihehe speakers have longed to have the Bible in their mother tongue for many years; so the continuing translation is a blessing to this community. The request for translation of the Bible in Kihehe came from the churches in the project area and the chosen translators were recommended by the churches and the local community.
It is targeted that a total of 500,000 people will benefit from this project.
Our partners in this project are Lutheran, Moravian, Anglican, Roman Catholic and Pentecostal churches in the project area. The Bible Society has learnt that, Church involvement in the Bible cause brings great success to Bible translation work.
This project is in line with the Philadelphia promise and the Bible Society of Tanzania Strategic Plan (2018 – 2022)
Other Resources Wanted
Translation Consultant.
The Bible Society of Tanzania does not have its own Translation Consultant.It depends on hired Consultants for checking the translated and harmonized books.
Project Goal
To make available the Bible available in the Kihehe language for faith and spiritual enhancement among the Kihehe language speakers.
Project goal’s relationship to overall bible society strategy
To translate the Bible in Kihehe language for mission work among Kihehe speakers. This is in line with the Bible Society’s
Strategic objectives that emphasizes the Society’s responsibility of facilitating translation of the Bible into languages without Bible, publish, and print the same – making it available to the community as the Word of God helping them to grow both in faith and spiritually.
Strategic Fit
Connecting your project to your Bible Society’s overall mission strategy
How does your project relate to the Philadelphia Promise?
The Philadelphia Promise affirms the fellowship commitment to make the Work of God available to all people in languages they prefer or understand better through the process of translation, publishing, printing, distribution, Bible engagement and advocacy. This translation project therefore, falls in line with the Promise.
About the beneficiaries
How did you arrive at your beneficiary impact number?
This is according to the Tanzanian Government records and Joshua Project
Beneficiary focus
A large percentage (63.7%) of the population is Christian. The rest is either Muslim or follows the traditional religion.
How have the needs and perspective of the beneficiaries helped shape the design of the project?
Thorough research was done before Kihehe translation started. The Church in the language area requested the Bible Society to facilitate the translation and was ready to partner by providing translators, reviewers and office space.
National Context
Kihehe is spoken around Iringa region, by around 1,457,000 ,000 people. One of the desires of the Hehe Christians is a translation of the Bible in their mother tongue. The project aims at translating the entire Bible into this language. Having the Scriptures in their language will not only enable them to understand the Bible better, but it will also serve to preserve their language and their cultural heritage.
The New Testament has just been published, and the translation of the Old Testament is well underway.
Need
Involvement of all churches is crucial to achieve a good reception of the translated Word.
The completion of the translation of the Bible can be improved or expedited if more funding was made to hire the translators on full time basis. Currently the translators are also given assignments by their Diocese. They must be attached to the church because what they are paid by the project is too little to sustain their living-With the current pace of translation the work may not be completed according to schedule..
How this project will help the beneficiaries
Availability of the Word of God in Kihehe language will impart Bible knowledge to the language speakers that will help them to grow in faith and spirituality – such knowledge will help them to ward off evil practices like occult, idolatry, rampant suicide behavior and polygamy.
Scripture & Prayer
Key Verse
Matthew 28:19-20
Prayer points
Pray for wisdom and perseverance for the translators.
Pray for unity and harmony among translators representing different denominations and church traditions.
Pray for God’s blessings to all who generously donate their money to fund the project
Project Activities
Project activities
2020
Continue harmonization all OT and NT
Community reviewing
CAP checks of all the books
Translation Consultant checks of all the remaining books.
Publishing and printing the book of Proverbs as a Portion
Para-text training for translators
CAP follow up and monitoring
Proofreading the Kihehe Bible
Typesetting, printing and publishing Kihehe Bible
Project partners
The partner churches involved are the Anglican Church, the Roman-Catholic Church,and the Lutheran church
-The Church provides the Translators and Reviewers.
-Monitor translation work on a day to day basis.
-Encourage and motivate translators in doing quality job
-Provide office for translation work
The Bible Society of Tanzania:
– pay monthly honoraria to translators
-Train translators on different translation programmes like Para-text, computer use
-Reviewers to facilitate review sessions to ensure good quality translation
-Provide equipment like computers, printers and utilities like stationery
The United Bible Societies – Global Bible Translation :
-Provides translation Consultant
– Provides training for new translators
– Provide training on new translation programmes.
Resourcing the Project
Non-financial Resources
Translation Consultant
Outputs & Impacts
Outputs from the project
Internal review; the full Bible
TC checks to all remaining books continues
Printing of the Bible stories
Impact
Impact 1
Short term impact
Increase in translation skills among translators
A strong relationship between churches and Bible Society built
Unity among Church denominations enhanced
Increased enthusiasm and inquiries on the full Bible among the Kihehe speakers.
Long term impact
Increased understanding of the Bible message.
Increased denominational unity among churches.
Increased skill and knowledge for translators
Increased sell of Bibles.
Kihehe speaker’s traditions and culture archived.
Churches equipped with a tool of evangelism.
Increased demand for Scriptures
Reduced number of malpractices in the community such as: – Adultery, Early childhood marriages, polygamy, drunkenness, witchcraft, stealing, etc.
Increased awareness about the Bible Society.
Tracking unexpected outcomes
– By hand to hand followup we will identify and record unexpected outcomes
– Visit the community in their locality and record such outcomes
The New Testament in Kihehe was launched in 2009 and the enthusiasm shown at the event was amazing. The survey carried out recently in the area shows that all the 2000 copies of the New Testaments supplied to the Church in Iringa were immediately distributed and there is demand for copies that necessitates reprinting. The outcome of the survey justified continuation of the translation of the Old Testament in Kihehe.
Testimonies
John Sanga of Kihesa area in Iringa town, is a Kihehe language speaker. Here he gives his testimony after reading the Portion of Deuteronomy in his heart language. He had this to say; “I read the Deuteronomy Portion in Kihehe and I am very much impressed by this message in my mother tongue. I could understand better than when I read it in Swahili language. I am very much motivated to continue reading the Bible in my language, and look forward to seeing the full Bible in Kihehe”
Leadership track record
The Bible Society of Tanzania has good track record after undertaking many projects successfully. The Bible Society has a stable and able leadership that keeps close followup on projects implementation.
The Bible Society also has Translation Manager who keeps close followup on translation projects.
External references
Bishop Mdegela of the Lutheran Church – Dioces of Iringa has this to say: “Please continue with this noble task of translating the Word of God in Kihehe because it will enhance mission work in my diocese. I am impressed by what the Bible Society is doing”
Similarly, the Catholic Bishop of Iringa Rt Rev. Tarcisisus Ngalalekumtwa gave his encouraging remarks asking the Bible Society to keep with the good job they are doing.
Best practices
The Church leaders and the community cooperation with translators is quite motivating and engaging.
The Bible Society involvement creates confidence in the implementation of this project.
The translation project for Igikurya Bible started in January 1983 and was expected to end in December; 2014.The completion date has been revised to 2020 due to reasons beyond our control including inadequate funding. The New Testament was completed, Published and officially launched in November 1996; and the translation of the Old Testament is still in progress, with some of the books translated and checked by our Translation Consultant.This is the first Bible translation for Igikurya speakers.
In 2019 we plan to continue with team review,Community review, Computer Assisted Publisher (CAP) checks and Translation Consultant’s (TC’s) checks.
It is desired that in 2020 the following activities will be carried out:-•
Continue team checking and harmonization OT and NT books.
CAP checks all books
Translation Consultant will be checking all remaining old testament books
Publishing and printing the book of Daniel as a portion
Para-text training for translators
CAP follow up and monitoring
Proofreading the Igikuria Bible
Typesetting, printing and publishing Kikaguru Bible
Traditionally the Igikurya community is marred by evil practices such as cattle rustling, gender violence witchcraft, alcoholism, polygamy and idolatry. Igikurya people have longed to have the Bible in their mother tongue for many years. This continuing translation is a blessing to this community. It is expected that, availability of the Bible in Igikurya language will have a positive effect on church growth and deepening of personal faith that will lead to changed behavior in the community-minimizing the bad practices. . Having the Bible in their language will not only enable them to understand the Bible better, but it will also help preserve their language and cultural heritage.
It is targeted that a total of 500,000 people will benefit from this project.
Our partners in this project are Lutheran, Anglican, Seventh day Adventist ,Mennonite Roman Catholic and Pentecostal churches in the project area. The Bible Society has learnt that, Church involvement in the Bible cause brings great success to Bible translation work.
This project in line with Philadelphia promise and the Bible Society of Tanzania Strategic Plan (2018 – 2022)
2019
The translation project for Igikurya Bible started in January 1983 and was expected to end in December; 2014.The completion date has been revised to 2020 due to reasons beyond our control including inadequate funding. The New Testament was completed, Published and officially launched in November 1996; and the translation of the Old Testament is still in progress, with some of the books translated and checked by our Translation Consultant.
This is the first Bible translation for Igikurya speakers. In 2019 we plan to continue with translation, harmonization, review, Computer Assisted Publisher (CAP) checks and Translation Consultant’s (TC’s) checks.
It is desired that in 2019 the following activities will be carried out:-
• Continue translating the books of Proverb, Nehemiah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Psalms and Deutero canonical books.
• Harmonization of the books of Proverb, Nehemiah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Psalms and Deutero canonical books.
• Reviewing the translated books Proverb, Nehemiah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Psalms and Deutero canonical books.
• CAP checks of the books of Proverb, Nehemiah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Psalms and Detero canonical books.
• Translation Consultant checks of Proverb, Nehemiah and Jeremiah.
• Publishing and printing the book of Proverbs as a Portion
• Para-text training for translators
• CAP follow up and monitoring
Traditionally the Igikurya community is marred by evil practices such as cattle rustling, gender violence witchcraft, alcoholism, polygamy and idolatry. Igikurya people have longed to have the Bible in their mother tongue for many years. This continuing translation is a blessing to this community. It is expected that, availability of the Bible in Igikurya language will have a positive effect on church growth and deepening of personal faith that will lead to changed behavior in the community-minimizing the bad practices. . Having the Bible in their language will not only enable them to understand the Bible better, but it will also help preserve their language and cultural heritage.
It is targeted that a total of 500,000 people will benefit from this project.
Our partners in this project are Lutheran, Anglican, Seventh day Adventist ,Mennonite Roman Catholic and Pentecostal churches in the project area. The Bible Society has learnt that, Church involvement in the Bible cause brings great success to Bible translation work.
This project in line with Philadelphia promise and the Bible Society of Tanzania Strategic Plan (2018 – 2022)
Other Resources Wanted
Translation Consultant.
Project Goal
To make available the Bible available in the Igikuria language for faith and spiritual enhancement among the Igikuria language speakers.
Project goal’s relationship to overall bible society strategy
To translate the Bible in Igikuria language for mission work among igikuria speakers. This is in line with the Bible Society’s
Strategic objectives that emphasizes the Society’s responsibility of facilitating translation of the Bible into languages without Bible, publish, and print the same – making it available to the community as the Word of God helping them to grow both in faith and spiritually.
Strategic Fit
Connecting your project to your Bible Society’s overall mission strategy
How does your project relate to the Philadelphia Promise?
The Philadelphia Promise affirms the fellowship commitment to make the
Work of God available to all people in languages they prefer or understand better
through the process of translation, publishing, printing, distribution,
Bible engagement and advocacy. This translation project therefore, falls in
line with the Promise.
About the beneficiaries
How did you arrive at your beneficiary impact number?
This is according to Tanzanian Government statistics and Joshua Projects
Beneficiary focus
The target audience are all Christians and non-Christians who speak and read this language. The Bible is expected to be used for evangelism as well as for liturgy in all the Kuria churches. The exact number of Kuria Christians is not known but could be anywhere between 20 to 50 per cent of the Kuria population of a million or more in both Kenya and Tanzania.
How have the needs and perspective of the beneficiaries helped shape the design of the project?
Thorough research was done before Igikuria translation started. The Church
in the language area requested the Bible Society to facilitate the
translation and was ready to partner by providing translators, reviewers
and office space.
National Context
The Kuria people love their language and use it exclusively among themselves. They live on both sides of the Tanzania and Kenya border. Command of Swahili is generally poor among traditional Kuria people. There is therefore an urgent need for the Holy Scriptures in Igikuria for evangelistic and liturgical use. Anglican, Mennonite, Pentecostal and other churches are active in the Kuria area but do not have the Old Testament Scriptures in this language for use in their work. Hence the urgent need to make available the entire Bible in Igikuria. The New Testament was completed and published 1996 and since then the Church expressed the need for the entire Bible being translated in Igikurya.
Need
The completion of the translation of the Bible can be improved or expedited if more funding was made to hire the translators on full time basis. Currently the translators are also given assignments by their Diocese. They must be attached to the church because what they are paid by the project is too little to sustain their living.
With the current pace of translation the work may not be completed according to schedule.
How this project will help the beneficiaries
The Bible is expected to help evangelism as well as churches growth. But also to change the Kuria behavior. Availability of the Word of God in Igikuria language will also impart Bible
knowledge to the language speakers that will help them to grow in faith
and spirituality – such knowledge will help them to ward off evil
practices like occult, idolatry, rampant suicide behavior and polygamy.
Scripture & Prayer
Key Verse
Colossians 1: 10-11
Prayer points
Pray that translators and reviewers will continue to carry out their specific tasks with dedication and commitment, and that they will proceed at a satisfactory pace.
Pray for support from the churches and for availability of all necessary resources
Project Activities
Project activities
2020
It is desired that in 2020 the following activities will be carried out:-•
Continue team checking and harmonization OT and NT books.
CAP checks all books
Translation Consultant will be checking all remaining old testament books
Publishing and printing the book of Daniel as a portion
Para-text training for translators
CAP follow up and monitoring
Proofreading the Igikuria Bible
Typesetting, printing and publishing Kikaguru Bible
2019
– It is desired that in 2019 the following activities will be carried out:-
• Continue translating the books of Proverb, Nehemiah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Psalms and Deutero canonical books.
• Harmonization of the books of Proverb, Nehemiah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Psalms and Deutero canonical books.
• Reviewing the translated books Proverb, Nehemiah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Psalms and Deutero canonical books.
• CAP checks of the books of Proverb, Nehemiah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Psalms and Detero canonical books.
• Translation Consultant checks of Proverb, Nehemiah and Jeremiah.
• Publishing and printing the book of Proverbs as a Portion
• Para-text training for translators
• CAP follow up and monitoring
Project partners
The Anglican, Mennonite, Pentecostal and others:
– The Church provides the Translators and Reviewers.
Monitor translation work on a day to day basis.
– Encourage and motivate translators in doing quality job
– Provide office for translation work
The Bible Society of Tanzania:
– pays monthly honoraria to translators
– Trains translators on different translation programmes like Para-text, computer use
– Reviewers to facilitate review sessions to ensure good quality translation
– Provides equipment like computers, printers and utilities like stationeries
The United Bible Societies Africa Area Service Centre:
– Provides translation Consultant
– Provides training for new translators
– Provide training on new translation programmes.
Resourcing the Project
Non-financial Resources
Translation Consultant
Financial notes
2019
ISP Grant Funding Details: If the ISP Grant request for your proposal includes an application for special ISP funding (e.g. from the Fundraising Investment Fund) please enter the amount and type of special ISP funding here.
Staff cost $22,500
Scripture Portions publishing, printing and distribution – $4,000
Launching $ 4,000
Para-text training -$6,000
Review sessions $ 4,500
Travel expenses $4,000
TC checks $3,000
Outputs & Impacts
Outputs from the project
– Team checking and Read through of all books continues
-Review Continues for remaining books
– TC checks will continue
– 4 Project Visits
– 2 Para-text training
Publishing and printing the book of Igikuria Bible
– Printing the Igikuria 2020 Carender
Impact
Impact 1
Short term impact
Increase in translation skills among translators
A strong relationship between churches and Bible Society built
Unity among Church denominations enhanced
Increased enthusiasm and inquiries on the full Bible among the Igikuria speakers.
Long term impact
Increased understanding of the Bible message.
Increased denominational unity among churches.
Increased skill and knowledge for translators
Increased sell of Bibles.
Igikuria speaker’s traditions and culture archived.
Churches equipped with a tool of evangelism.
Increased demand for Scriptures
Reduced number of malpractices in the community such as: – Adultery, Early childhood marriages, polygamy, drunkenness, witchcraft, stealing, etc.
Increased awareness about the Bible Society.
Indicators
– Reduced suicide cases among the readers of the Bible.
– Reduced quarrels arising from witchcraft allegations
– Reduced levels of polygamy,women violence.
Tracking
– Undertaking facts finding research – interviewing community members & leaders.
– Visit police records on crimes like women violence cases
Tracking unexpected outcomes
– By hand to hand followup we will identify and record unexpected outcomes
– Visit the community in their locality and record such outcomes
There was informal research that ascertained the need for the project. The success of the New Testament encouraged the need for continuing with the Old Testament.
Testimonies
Rev.Elikana Birole is a translator of Igikuria Project. Here he gives his testimony. He had this to say; ” read the Scriptures in my mother tongue is so nice and sweet due to the level of understanding and I am very much impressed by translating the word of God in my mother tongue it helpsed a lot. I understand better than when I read it in Swahili language. I am very much motivated to continue translating and reading the Bible in my language.
Leadership track record
The Bible Society of Tanzania has good track record after undertaking many projects successfully. The Bible Society has a stable and able leadership that keeps close followup on projects implementation.
The Bible Society also has Translation Manager who keeps close followup on translation projects.
External references
Mennonite Bishop of Musoma Rt Rev. Nyagwegwe gave his encouraging remarks asking the Bible Society to keep with the good job they are doing
Best practices
The Church leaders and the community cooperation with translators is quite motivating and engaging.
The Bible Society involvement creates confidence in the implementation of this project
The translation project for Kivunjo Bible started in January 1992 and was expected to end in December; 2014.The completion date has been revised to 2019 due to reasons beyond our control including inadequate funding. The New Testament was completed, Published and officially launched in November 2000; the project is in the stage of Typesetting.
In 2020 we plan to finish up Launching the Kivunjo Bible.
It is desired that in 2020 the following activities will be carried out:-
Launching
Traditionally the Kivunjo community is marred by evil practices such as witchcraft, alcoholism, polygamy and idolatry. Kivunjo people have longed to have the Bible in their mother tongue for many years. This continuing translation is a blessing to this community. It is expected that, availability of the Bible in kivunjo language will have a positive effect on church growth and deepening of personal faith that will lead to changed behavior in the community-minimizing the bad practices. . Having the Bible in their language will not only enable them to understand the Bible better, but it will also help preserve their language and cultural heritage.It is targeted that a total of 250,000 people will benefit from this project.
Our partners in this project are Lutheran, Anglican, Roman Catholic and Pentecostal churches in the project area. The Bible Society has learnt that, Church involvement in the Bible cause brings great success to Bible translation work.
This project in line with Philadelphia promise and the Bible Society of Tanzania Strategic Plan (2018 – 2022)
2019
The translation project for Kivunjo Bible started in January 1992 and was expected to end in December; 2014.The completion date has been revised to 2019 due to reasons beyond our control including inadequate funding. The New Testament was completed, Published and officially launched in November 2000; the project is in the stage of Typesetting. In 2019 we plan to finish up Printing and Launching the Kivunjo Bible.
It is desired that in 2019 the following activities will be carried out:-
Printing
Launching
Traditionally the Kivunjo community is marred by evil practices such as witchcraft, alcoholism, polygamy and idolatry. Kivunjo people have longed to have the Bible in their mother tongue for many years. This continuing translation is a blessing to this community. It is expected that, availability of the Bible in kivunjo language will have a positive effect on church growth and deepening of personal faith that will lead to changed behavior in the community-minimizing the bad practices. . Having the Bible in their language will not only enable them to understand the Bible better, but it will also help preserve their language and cultural heritage.
It is targeted that a total of 250,000 people will benefit from this project.
Our partners in this project are Lutheran, Anglican, Roman Catholic and Pentecostal churches in the project area. The Bible Society has learnt that, Church involvement in the Bible cause brings great success to Bible translation work.
This project in line with Philadelphia promise and the Bible Society of Tanzania Strategic Plan (2018 – 2022)
Project Goal
To make available the Bible available in the Kivunjo language for faith and spiritual enhancement among the Kivunjo language speakers.
Project goal’s relationship to overall bible society strategy
To translate the Bible in Kivunjo language for mission work among kivunjo speakers. This is in line with the Bible Society’s
Strategic objectives that emphasizes the Society’s responsibility of facilitating translation of the Bible into languages without Bible, publish, and print the same – making it available to the community as the Word of God helping them to grow both in faith and spiritually
Strategic Fit
Connecting your project to your Bible Society’s overall mission strategy
How does your project relate to the Philadelphia Promise?
The Philadelphia Promise affirms the fellowship commitment to make the
Work of God available to all people in languages they prefer or understand better
through the process of translation, publishing, printing, distribution,
Bible engagement and advocacy. This translation project therefore, falls in
line with the Promise.
About the beneficiaries
How did you arrive at your beneficiary impact number?
According to the Tanzanian statistics
Beneficiary focus
The target audience are all Christians and non-Christians who speak and read this language. The Bible is expected to be used for evangelism as well as for liturgy for the more than 400 thousand speakers of this language who currently use the Swahili Bible.
How have the needs and perspective of the beneficiaries helped shape the design of the project?
Thorough research was done before Kivunjo translation started. The Church
in the language area requested the Bible Society to facilitate the
translation and was ready to partner by providing translators, reviewers
and office space.
National Context
The Kivunjo-Chagga speakers have never had Scriptures in their own language. They have mainly used the Swahili Scriptures. Hence the request by the churches to create Scriptures in this major Chagga dialect to enable speakers to read the Scripture in their own language.
Need
We experienced good teamwork and effective use of computers which has made the project successful.
How this project will help the beneficiaries
The Bible is expected to help evangelism as well as churches growth. But also to change the Kivunjo behavior. Availability of the Word of God in Kivunjo language will also impart Bible
knowledge to the language speakers that will help them to grow in faith
and spirituality – such knowledge will help them to ward off evil
practices like occult, idolatry, rampant suicide behavior and polygamy
Scripture & Prayer
Key Verse
Mathew 28:16-20
Prayer points
Pray for the typesetter to finish the work as it is planned
Pray that the Full Bible will be actively used and bring about the required impact..
Project Activities
Project activities
2020
It is desired that in 2020 the following activities will be carried out:-
Launching
Project partners
The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania- Northern Diocese:
The Diocese provides the Translators and Reviewers.
Monitoring of translation work on a day to day basis.
Encouraging and motivating translators in doing quality job
Provide office for translation work
The Bible Society of Tanzania:
paying monthly honoraria to translators
Training translators on different translation programmes like Para-text, computer use
Training of reviewers to facilitate review sessions to ensure good quality translation
Providing equipment like computers, printers and utilities like stationeries
The United Bible Societies Africa Area Service Centre:
Provides translation Consultant
Provides training for new translators
Provide training on new translation programmes.
Resourcing the Project
Non-financial Resources
Typesetters
Outputs & Impacts
Outputs from the project
2020
Shipping
Launching
Impact
Impact 1
Short term impact
Increase in translation skills among translators
A strong relationship between churches and Bible Society built
Unity among Church denominations enhanced
Increased enthusiasm and inquiries on the full Bible among the Kivunjo speakers.
Long term impact
Increased understanding of the Bible message.
Increased denominational unity among churches.
Increased skill and knowledge for translators
Increased sell of Bibles.
Kivunjo speaker’s traditions and culture archived.
Churches equipped with a tool of evangelism.
Increased demand for Scriptures
Reduced number of malpractices in the community such as: – Adultery, Early childhood marriages, polygamy, drunkenness, witchcraft, stealing, etc.
Increased awareness about the Bible Society.
Indicators
Reduced quarrels arising from family misunderstandings.
Reduced level of alcoholism
Tracking
– Undertaking facts finding research – interviewing community members & leaders.
Tracking unexpected outcomes
Visiting the language area, meeting with the readers of the Bible
The Church in the language area approached the Bible Society and presented their need of the Bible in their language.
Informal research was carried out to ascertain the need for the project and the need was then approved by the Board.
Leadership track record
The Bible Society of Tanzania has good track record after undertaking many projects successfully. The Bible Society has a stable and able leadership that keeps close followup on projects implementation.
The Bible Society also has Translation Manager who keeps close followup on translation projects.
Best practices
The Church leaders and the community cooperation with translators is quite motivating and engaging.
The Bible Society involvement creates confidence in the implementation of this project
