Where We Serve / Bokyi Scripture Engagement
BokyiScripture Engagement
The Bokyi people of southern Nigeria are strengthening the use of their language through literacy classes and Scripture engagement activities. These efforts help adults and children read Bokyi materials and use Scripture in daily life.
Scripture Engagement
Country
- Nigeria
Region
- West Africa
Language Population
275,000
Bridging the Scripture Access Gap
Although the Bokyi have a full Bible translation, many adults and children have not learned to read Bokyi. This limits regular use of Scripture in churches, homes, and schools.
Increasing Access
Since 2012, we have worked with the Bokyi Language Committee to support literacy classes, Scripture listening and reading groups, and the use of Bokyi materials in the community.
Your partnership supports local teachers and committee members as they organize classes, lead groups, and encourage churches and schools to use Bokyi Scripture.
Program Goals
- Train Bokyi literacy teachers to lead reading classes and support Scripture use in their communities.
- Sustain existing Scripture Listening and Reading Groups and start new groups through workshops and church meetings.
- Support the Bokyi Language Committee as it works with churches, community leaders, and the local Education Authority.
Program Plan
Step 1
Develop Literacy Capacity
- Train teachers in five Boki communities
- Create language learning resources
- Engage local education stakeholders
Step 2
Expand Scripture Engagement
- Sustain existing reading groups
- Launch new listening and reading groups
- Conduct community workshops
Step 3
Strengthen Community Leadership
- Support Bokyi Language Committee
- Build local Scripture engagement skills
- Create awareness and ownership
Meet the Local Team
Team Members
• Six literacy teachers
• 11 Scripture Engagement workers
• The committee for the mobilizationsOrganizational Partner
• The Boki Education Authority
Rev. Dr. Linus Otronyi
Rev. Dr. Linus Otronyi grew up in the rural village of Iboko, in the Yala-speaking area of northern Cross River State, Nigeria. Rev. Linus is an ordained pastor with the Lutheran Church of Nigeria and serves as an International Associate with Lutheran Bible Translators.
Partner Organizations
Honoring the Language
Bokyi: A Linguistic Heritage
• 143,700 speakers in Nigeria
• Located in central Cross River State’s Okundi region
• Utilizes alphabetic script—a distinctive feature among African languages
• Comprises twelve unique dialects
• Second language in Cross River State to receive a complete Bible translation
Program Progress
The Bokyi Language Committee continues to interact with the local Education Authority and other stakeholders to see that Bokyi is taught in the primary schools.
Regional News & Media
Help Bring Scripture to Life
Your donation helps translate God’s Word into the Bokyi language. Every gift makes a difference.