KurankoScripture Engagement
After 18 years of volunteer-led classes, growing community interest in Kuranko literacy now requires expanded training, resources, and support to meet overwhelming demand.
Scripture Engagement
Country
- Sierra Leone
Region
- West Africa
Language Population
433,000
Grassroots Commitment: Two Decades of Community-Led Literacy
The Kuranko Literacy and Scripture Engagement Program’s remarkable journey began in 2000, equipping community members to read, translate Scripture, and facilitate engagement activities. When funding ceased after five years, five determined communities maintained literacy classes through volunteer efforts, partnering with The Institute of Sierra Leonean Languages (TISLL) for technical support and celebrating learning milestones together.
These dedicated communities sustained operations independently for 18 years—a testament to local ownership and vision. Now, as church and community requests for literacy programs continue to grow across the region, the volunteer network can no longer meet expanding needs without additional resources and support.
Empower Kuranko Leaders
After sustaining ministry independently for nearly two decades, local Kuranko leaders are ready to scale their impact. Your support transforms grassroots determination into sustainable programs that bring God’s Word to thousands more Kuranko speakers in the language that speaks to their hearts.
Program Goals
- Train Facilitators for Kuranko Literacy
- Expand Scripture Engagement Through Arts
- Create and Distribute Learning Materials
- Celebrate Kuranko Language Heritage
- Build Sustainable Community Capacity
Kuranko Scripture Engagement Program Plan
Step 1
Literacy Training and Expansion
- Train church workers in children’s ministry using Kuranko materials
- Conduct refresher training for 25 facilitators in continuing literacy classes
- Train 16 new Pre-Primer facilitators to expand into Morifindugu and Kalia chiefdoms
- Implement Primers 2 and 3 training for 32 advanced facilitators
- Establish Faith Comes By Hearing groups through training of 14 community leaders
Step 2
Resource Development and Distribution
- Compose Scripture songs and prepare drama presentations
- Create new literacy materials through 12-participant writers workshop
- Develop Kuranko farming calendar with 10 community experts
- Review and refine supplementary reading materials for advanced learners
- Print 900 primer books (300 each for Pre-Primer, Primer 2, and Primer 3)
- Produce 300 Kuranko farming calendars and 150 teacher guides
Step 3
Community Celebration and Sustainability
- Organize annual thanksgiving event for successful learners
- Celebrate International Mother Tongue Day and World Literacy Day
- Document indigenous stories, proverbs, riddles, and cultural heritage
- Establish literacy farm to support program sustainability
- Conduct radio discussions and community awareness campaigns
- Implement digital literacy training with Alpha Tiles technology
Meet the Local Team
team members
• Mrs. Hawa S. Kargbo – Children’s Ministry Facilitator
• Rev. Samba Mansaray – FCBH Facilitator
• Mr. Denis K. Keita – FCBH Leader
• Mrs. Margaret M. Kamara – Song Composer
• 3 Literacy Facilitators
team members
• Rev. Musa Sewa – Chairman
• Mr. Alusine Hassan Kamara – Secretary
• Mrs. Fatmata M. Jalloh – Financial
• Paramount Chief Alimamy Finah Mansaray – Committee Advisor
• Rev. MB Jalloh – Lead Advocate
Partner Organizations
Honoring the Language
The Kuranko, also known as the Koranko, are a branch of the Malinke tribe that immigrated into Sierra Leone from Guinea.
Kuranko is a Mande language spoken in Sierra Leone and Guinea.
It belongs to the Niger-Congo language family.
Program Progress
Eleven Literacy Classes launched for Kuranko learners. A total of 12 facilitators assist in the education. 135 students are currently enrolled.
Translated materials have been produced for the children’s ministry to train young learners how to read the Bible.
Early on in the year, a Literacy Coordinator was appointed, who will supervise and monitor the activities of the Kuranko Literacy Program. He then identified communities and churches to engage in literacy and Scripture engagement.
