Sukuma Bible Translation
Engaging the Sukuma community through oral Bible storytelling, preserving language, and empowering leaders to share biblical truths effectively.
Bible Translation
Country
- Tanzania
Region
- East Africa
Language Population
8,130,000
Equipping Storytellers to Preserve Language and Faith
The Sukuma Bible Translation program is focused on enhancing access to biblical stories through Oral Bible Storytelling (OBS), fostering a deeper understanding and engagement within the Sukuma community. By establishing an advisory committee and training community leaders, the program creates a sense of ownership among local stakeholders. This collaborative approach ensures that the community is actively involved in sharing biblical narratives, with planned activities including capacity-building workshops for identified storytellers and regular meetings to maintain momentum and support.
As the program prepares and distributes 50 audio Bible stories by September 2025, it aims to evangelize diverse groups, reaching 200 individuals across various church settings, including 40 church leaders and local community members.
Photo by John Harper, licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Equipping Storytellers to Preserve Language and Faith
Your prayers and financial support empower Sukuma storytellers to share God’s Word through oral Bible stories in their heart language. This strengthens both the faith and cultural identity of Sukuma communities while equipping local leaders to minister effectively in their own language.
Program Goals
- Establish Community Ownership
- Empower Storytellers
- Preserve and Promote Sukuma Language
- Enhance Oral Bible Engagement
- Strengthen Community Capacity
Sukuma Bible Translation Program Plan
Step 1
Establish Community Ownership
- Form an advisory committee to guide program direction and decisions
- Conduct training sessions to equip committee members in their roles
- Engage 40 church leaders and 20 local leaders to foster community support
Step 2
Empower Storytellers and Enhance Engagement
- Identify and select three local storytellers within the Sukuma community
- Conduct two capacity-building workshops to develop storytelling skills
- Prepare and distribute 50 audio Bible stories for wider accessibility
- Share biblical stories with church leaders and various community groups
Step 3
Preserve Sukuma Language and Equip for Ministry
- Conduct feedback meetings with the Sukuma community for insights and improvements
- Share Bible stories with 200 individuals across different church groups
- Provide tools for local leaders to incorporate stories into their ministries
- Build sustainable structures to ensure ongoing Bible ministry efforts
Meet the Local Team
team members
• Six translators
Honoring the Language
The Sukuma language, spoken by over 8 million people in northern Tanzania, shines with its unique tones and detailed word system. The New Testament, published in 2000, and the full Bible in 2015, created with local help and the Bible Society of Tanzania, bring scripture to Sukuma speakers, keeping their language alive. Yet, since low literacy rates make reading hard for many, Oral Bible Storytelling is a key next step, sharing Bible stories by voice so everyone can connect with them.
