Where We Serve / Loko Scripture Engagement

Loko Scripture Engagement

Loko Scripture Engagement supports literacy and Scripture use among Loko speaking communities in northern Sierra Leone.

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Scripture Engagement

Country

  • Sierra Leone

Region

  • West Africa

Language Population

216,000

Breaking Barriers to Scripture Engagement

The Loko New Testament has been available since 1983. Many adults and young people still need support to read confidently enough to use it on their own.

Current work focuses on literacy classes, Scripture listening groups, and locally led media such as radio programs, songs, and drama that use Loko Scripture in familiar forms.

Workshops have empowered both young people and adults to read and write for the first time, leading to the creation of new learning centers and schools embracing Loko as a medium of instruction.

This program bridges the gap between literacy and faith, giving everyone—regardless of age or background—the opportunity to learn, grow, and strengthen their connection to God’s Word.

Empower Local Leaders to Transform Communities

Every community deserves access to God’s Word in the language they know best, guided by trusted local leaders. Financial support and prayer sustain Loko literacy facilitators, Scripture engagement coordinators, and supervisors as they serve their own communities in northern Sierra Leone.

Program Goals

  1. Supervise existing and newly established Loko literacy centers
  2. Support Scripture engagement through listening groups, drama, songs, and radio
  3. Develop, review, and print Loko literacy and Scripture materials
  4. Use Loko language and cultural forms in literacy and Scripture activities
  5. Support local committees and volunteer facilitators

The Program Plan

Step 1

Build Literacy Foundations

  • Conduct Pre-Primer workshops to establish new literacy classes and Primer workshops to enhance existing classes.
  • Supervise current literacy classes monthly to ensure quality teaching and engagement.
  • Encourage and mentor newly trained facilitators, with 8 new centers supervised twice monthly.

Step 2

Promote Scripture Engagement

  • Facilitate radio and film-based Scripture engagement in 30 Loko-speaking communities.
  • Mobilize and supervise existing Scripture groups while establishing 5 new groups.
  • Organize workshops for composing Scripture songs and dramatizing Bible stories like Jonah and the Prodigal Son.
  • Launch 15 Bible listening groups through “Faith Comes By Hearing” workshops.

Step 3

Develop and Distribute Resources

  • Host cultural and educational events such as International Literacy Day, Mother Tongue Day, and a Thanksgiving Service to celebrate Loko heritage and program progress.
  • Create, review, and refine teaching materials through writers’ and reviewers’ workshops.
  • Print and distribute Loko teaching materials, including Pre-Primer and advanced textbooks, hymnals, and literacy class registers.
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Meet the Local Team

  • Team Members

    • Rev. Alimamy T. Bangura – Chairman
    • Rev. John T. Sesay – Vice Chairman & Literacy Facilitator
    • James S. Bangura – Secretary
    • Momodu Sesay – Assistant Secretary
    • Mark J. Kanu – Treasurer

  • Team Members

    • Rev. Kempson Fornah – Master Trainer
    • Ibrahim Fornah – Trainer
    • Allen L. Kamara – Literacy Consultant
    • Marie Kamara – Literacy Subcommittee Chairlady
    • 23 Additional Literacy Facilitators

  • Team Members

    • Rev. Edward K. Kamara – Audio Listening Tutor
    • Jeremiah F.M. Kargbo – Scripture Drama Production Chairman
    • Mary A.J. Sesay – Scripture Songs Committee Chairlady
    • Amadu Conteh – Scripture Songs Composer
    • Daniel T. Fornah – Scripture Songs Composer
    • Rev. Moses Y.C. Kamara – Translation Committee Chairman

  • Team Members

    • Amadu Sesay – Literacy Facilitator & Scripture Dramatist
    • Alushine Bangura – Literacy Facilitator & Scripture Film Director
    • Alie Njala Kamara – Loko Radio Journalist
    • Rev. John T. Sesay – Literacy Facilitator

Partner Organizations

Honoring the Language

Loko belongs to the Niger-Congo language family.

Loko is also known as Landogo, and many speakers reside in the northern province: the Bombali district, the Koya, Ribbi, and Bumpe chiefdoms, and the Sanda Loko chiefdom.

Dialects include: Magbiambo, Gbendembu, Ngoahu, Nagbanmba, Sanda, Laia, Libisegahun, Koya, Ribbi, Buya.

Program Progress

Progress Update (Reporting Period: Oct–Dec 2025)

  • Supervised existing Loko literacy and Scripture engagement centers through regular field visits.
  • Conducted literacy teacher trainings and refresher workshops for approximately 45 facilitators.
  • Conducted Scripture engagement activities including film showings and, radio programs in multiple communities.
  • Supervised new and existing Scripture engagement groups, including newly established groups in two communities.
  • Continued coordinator supervision and reporting through quarterly meetings and field travel.
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Help Bring Scripture to Life

Your donation helps translate God’s Word into the Loko language. Every gift makes a difference.

  • Join Us in Prayer

    Pray for Loko literacy facilitators as they continue teaching adult and youth learners.

    Become a Prayer Partner

  • Join Us in Prayer

    Pray for printing and distribution of Loko literacy and Scripture materials now in progress.

    Become a Prayer Partner

  • Join Us in Prayer

    Pray for Scripture listening and engagement groups using audio, drama, and song.

    Become a Prayer Partner