Where We Serve / Sierra Leone Capacity: The Institute for Sierra Leonean Languages

Sierra Leone Capacity: The Institute for Sierra Leonean Languages

Supporting long‑standing language and literacy work in Sierra Leone so communities can read Scripture in the languages they know best.

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Scripture Engagement

Country

  • Sierra Leone

Region

  • West Africa

Language Population

14,201,000

The urgent need for increased literacy in Sierra Leone

Since 1974, the Institute for Sierra Leonean Languages (TISLL) has supported literacy and language development in churches, schools, and communities across Sierra Leone. As interest in literacy continues to grow, TISLL is asked to provide training, coordination, and technical support to a widening network of church‑based and community language programs. 

TISLL faces the challenge of providing essential technical and professional services to numerous churches and language programs serving these communities. With adequate funding, TISLL can expand the reach and effectiveness of its literacy initiatives, empowering people to deepen their faith by reading God’s Word in a language they understand.

Empowering local leaders to foster literacy and engagement

Your investment empowers TISLL to expand its vital work of training local leaders, developing educational resources, and coordinating literacy programs that transform communities through language education and Scripture engagement.

Program Goals

  1. Strengthen administrative and financial support systems.
  2. Provide training and mentoring for literacy coordinators.
  3. Improve coordination and monitoring of language and literacy programs.
  4. Maintain facilities and basic infrastructure needed for program work.
  5. Support community awareness of local language and literacy efforts. 

The TISLL Program Plan

Step 1

Strengthen Administrative Oversight

  • Hold quarterly staff meetings for planning and review.
  • Maintain basic systems for finance, reporting, and coordination.
  • Conduct oversight visits to support ongoing language programs.

Step 2

Support Literacy Coordinators

  • Mentor newly appointed literacy coordinators.
  • Provide training in literacy management and reporting.
  • Share practical approaches for working with churches and communities.

Step 3

Encourage Community Awareness

  • Participate in local events related to language and literacy.
  • Share information about literacy programs with churches and community leaders.
  • Mark International Mother Tongue and Literacy Day as opportunities for visibility.
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Meet the Local Team

  • Team Members

    • Bishop Alieu Tamba Koroma – TISLL Board
    • Bishop Momoh     – TISLL Board
    • Pastor Dr. Olive Musa     – TISLL Board
    • Rev. Alie M. Sesay     – TISLL Board

  • Team Members

    • Mr. Ambrose Rogers – TISLL Board
    • Mr. Andrew Kamanda     – TISLL Board
    • Mr. JP Kamara     – TISLL Board
    • Mr. Mohamed B. Turay     – TISLL Board

  • Team Members

    • Program Manager
    • Financial Officer
    • Desktop Publisher
    • Maintenance Officer
    • Office Assistant

Partner Organizations

Honoring the Language

Sierra Leone has 24 established languages. Nineteen are indigenous, and five are non‑indigenous. Limba, Mende, and Themne are recognized as the three provincial languages.

Regional News & Media

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Sustain the Ministry in Sierra Leone

God speaks every language. Your gift helps bring God’s Word to every language community in Sierra Leone.