Mother-Tongue Literacy
At TWFTW, we believe that every person has the right to be educated in their own language. Bible translation and literacy work have long gone hand in hand and we continue this tradition through a number literacy programs in Asia.
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A typical literacy program consists of what could be categorized as four broad phases: (1) Orthography development, (2) Primers, (3) Implementation and (4) Continuation.
1. Orthography Development
For many of the languages we work in, there is no standard alphabet or way of writing the language and so the first step in the process is to develop an orthography (writing system).
2. Primers, Story Books, Folk Tales & More
Once the orthography has been developed and accepted by the community, we can begin developing basic literacy materials, such as lesson books (primers), story books, folk tales and other material the community desires.
3. Community Lead Implementation
Once the orthography has been developed and basic literacy materials are available, people can begin learning to read and write in their own language! These initiatives are supported by TWFTW but entirely community run and implemented.
4. To Infinity and Beyond
Our desire is to see the community take what we have helped them start and go as far as possible with it, such as introducing their own language into official government school curriculum.
Our engagement with indigenous communities results in ownership of the literacy projects at a
grassroots level which ensures longevity, sustainability and maximum impact of the program. If Bible translation is the vehicle for transformation, then literacy is the fuel that gets the vehicle to its destination.
TWFTW's literacy program is a catalyst for transformation in communities, and if you would like to be a part of this please consider making a donation to one of our literacy projects.
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