Where We Serve / Themne Scripture Engagement

Themne Scripture Engagement

Equip Themne-speaking communities to read and understand Scripture through structured literacy programs.

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Scripture Engagement

Country

  • Sierra Leone

Region

  • West Africa

Language Population

2,210,000

Themne literacy education unlocks access to God’s Word

The Themne New Testament has been available for years, but low literacy rates prevent many from reading and fully understanding it. When reading ability is limited, many are unable to use the Themne New Testament in personal study or teaching.

More than 30 literacy classes are active across Themne‑speaking communities, increasing access to reading and writing in the local language. As literacy spreads, more churches and households can use the Themne New Testament in regular activities.

The program supports churches and communities as they use Scripture already translated into Themne. 

Empower leaders of literacy and Scripture efforts

The Themne Scripture Engagement program thrives on the dedication of local leaders. These facilitators, preachers, and listening group leaders equip friends, family, and neighbors to read, understand, and engage with God’s Word.

Your prayers and support allow these leaders to bring Scripture closer to every Themne home.

Program Goals

  1. Supervise and expand literacy classes in Makeni and Magburaka
  2. Support Scripture use through literacy and listening groups
  3. Develop and distribute Themne literacy and Scripture materials
  4. Affirm the use of Themne in churches and community settings
  5. Strengthen local leadership for program continuity

Themne Scripture Engagement Program Plan

Step 1

Build Literacy Foundations

  • Train and mentor new and existing literacy teachers serving active classes. 
  • Establish and support literacy classes in Makeni and Magburaka, serving adult learners.

Step 2

Promote Scripture Engagement

  • Mark literacy milestones through community and church gatherings when feasible.
  • Train listening group leaders and support listening groups using available audio Scripture.

Step 3

Develop and Distribute Teaching Materials

  • Convene writers and reviewers to develop and refine Themne literacy and Scripture materials.
  • Review drafted materials for accuracy, clarity, and suitability for local use.
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Meet the Local Team

  • Team Members

    • Mr. Daniel Fulah – Scripture Engagement Project Coordinator
    • Mr. Joseph S. Kamara – Scripture Engagement Committee Chairman
    • 13 Literacy Facilitators

  • Committee Members

    • John Sanko
    • Mr. Abdulai Koroma
    • Mrs. Isatu Fullah
    • Mrs. Rugiatu J. Bangura
    • Pastor Kadiatu Koroma
    • Rev. Christopher Turay
    • Rev. Hassan Thullah

Partner Organizations

Honoring the Language

Themne is a primary language in central Sierra Leone.

Themne is a tonal language, with four tones. Tonal words have different meanings based on inflection. 11 dialects include Banta, Konike, Yoni, Bombali, Western Temne (Pil), Sanda, Ribia, Kholifa, Koya, Masingbi, Malal.

Program Progress

  • Trained 10 Scripture listening group leaders in Makeni and distributed audio Scripture equipment. 
  • Trained 10 Scripture listening group leaders in Magburaka.
  • Conducted a reviewers’ workshop for drafted Themne Scripture materials, including discipleship content.
  • Held literacy certification and Thanksgiving events in Magburaka, with participation from multiple churches and literacy centers.
  • Completed training and refresher training for literacy teachers in Makeni and Magburaka.
  • Continued development of Themne Bible story and literacy materials through writer workshops. 
  • Some planned activities, including World Literacy Day celebrations, were not conducted during the reporting period.
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Give the gift of literacy and access to Scripture

God speaks Themne. Your gift helps empower the Themne to engage with God’s Word. Every gift makes a difference.

  • Join Us in Prayer

    Pray for literacy teachers and coordinators serving as volunteers amid economic pressure.

    Become a Prayer Partner

  • Join Us in Prayer

    Pray for ongoing development and review of Themne literacy and Scripture materials.

    Become a Prayer Partner

  • Join Us in Prayer

    Pray for churches using the Themne New Testament and audio Scripture in regular gatherings.

    Become a Prayer Partner