Liberia CapacityLiberia Translation & Literacy Organization (LIBTRALO)
Empower 16 Liberian Languages Through Translation, Literacy & Media Innovation
Capacity Building
Scripture Engagement
Country
- Liberia
Region
- West Africa
Language Population
4,347,500
Reaching 16 Language Communities Through Innovation
The Liberia Translation and Literacy Organization (LIBTRALO) serves as a vital hub for Bible translation, literacy development, and Scripture engagement across Liberia’s diverse linguistic landscape. Building on their established foundation, LIBTRALO is expanding their reach through innovative approaches—developing Scripture audio dramas, broadcasting language tutorials on multiple radio stations, and creating digital content for social media platforms. These initiatives not only introduce Biblical stories to new audiences but also strengthen cultural identity and preserve linguistic heritage.
LIBTRALO’s dedicated team of professionals approaches their work with the conviction that language, faith, and cultural identity are inseparable elements of holistic community development. Operating in 16 language communities and managing over 30 literacy classes, this growing organization depends on donor partnerships to sustain their work among Liberia’s 5.3 million people across 39 unique ethnic groups.
Support Bible Translation and Literacy in Liberia
LIBTRALO’s programs, from literacy classes to Scripture audio dramas, are transforming lives across 16 Liberian language communities. Your support helps train facilitators, distribute teaching materials, and expand access to God’s Word through radio broadcasts and translations. Together, we can empower Liberians through faith, language, and education.
Program Goals
- Develop teaching materials for seven language groups
- Train and support 48 facilitators across five languages
- Expand media outreach through radio and digital platforms
- Monitor and strengthen literacy program implementation
Liberia Capacity: Liberia Translation & Literacy Organization (LIBTRALO) Program Plan
Step 1
Build Language Learning Infrastructure
- Develop digital and print teaching resources for 30 classes
- Train 48 literacy facilitators across five language groups
- Establish new literacy classes in strategic communities
- Select appropriate stories and cultural content for translation
Step 2
Create Multilingual Educational Resources
- Distribute materials to facilitators and learning centers
- Collaborate with language experts to document cultural knowledge
- Produce print materials for seven language communities
- Develop audio resources for radio broadcasting
- Create digital content for social media distribution
Step 3
Expand Community Access Through Media
- Complete Dan Scripture Audio Drama for community distribution
- Broadcast “Liberia Language Tutorial by Radio” across multiple stations
- Launch “Liberia Language & Cultures Outlook” programming
- Create Scripture engagement content for social media platforms
- Monitor program effectiveness through community feedback
Meet the Local Team
team members
• Deacon David K Setiyee – Executive Director
• Mr. Valentine TF Shekey – Finance Officer
• John Flomo – Secretary
• Peter Kwellie – Public Relations Officer
• Mr. J. Ngaima Kawala – Technical Advisor & Consultant
team members
• Nyanatee K. Sayon – Literacy Coordinator & Translation Checker
• Better Jallah – Coordinator Trainee
• Daniel W. Sopo – Coordinator Trainee
• G. Omega Pee – Desktop Publisher
• George Babs – IT Personnel
• Francis Johnson – Volunteer
team members
• David M. Gayflor – Driver
• David K. Yarkpawolo – Office Attendant
• Jallah Kollie – Security Guard
• Jerry Kollie – Security Guard
• Princess Nyoun – Security Guard
Partner Organizations
Honoring the Language
16
Languages
5,380,000
Liberia Population
39
unique people groups
Program Progress
Language Literacy and Education
Establishment of Literacy Classes: Literacy classes have been successfully established in various communities, focusing on the targeted languages. These classes are facilitated by local instructors and begin with devotion, as planned, indicating adherence to the cultural context of the learners.
Here are several examples of the 25+ literacy classes now established:
- Mende Town (Kpelle): The class centered in Mende Town has 18 learners (6 males, 12 females), which demonstrates engagement at a community level. The Primer level being taught is “Kpelle Alphabet – Lesson 3/Bible Reading,” and there were 17 learners who completed the previous level, indicating progression.
- Sasstown (Gola): A total of 29 learners (12 males, 17 females) are at Primer 1 (Lessons 10-11), with 11 having completed the last level.
- Baanla Town: Here, 15 learners are enrolled, and the instruction includes Primer lesson 1 covering consonants, vowels, clusters, and tones. 37 learners have completed the previous level, showcasing substantial progression.
Materials Development and Distribution: Alphabet charts, diglot booklets, number cards, and other reading materials have been developed, printed, and distributed to all literacy projects, denoting progress in the curriculum development sub-step.
Engagement and Continuity: Enrollment numbers are documented across various communities, showing ongoing classes and levels of literacy being taught, like alphabet lessons and Bible reading, suggesting continuous engagement with the communities.
Translation Programs
LIBTRALO and Lutheran Bible Translators work with the Bible Society of Liberia for the translation projects in at least four of the languages mentioned for literacy (Bassa, Bandi, Dan, Gola, Grebo, Maan, Kpelle).
Media Outreach and Program Broadcasting
Radio Program Implementation: The Liberia Language Tutorial by Radio program has been developed and broadcasted, although there have been noted issues with the regularity of airing due to station commitment levels.
- “LIBERIA LANGUAGE TUTORIAL BY RADIO” on Truth FM 96.1 & Methodist Radio (ELUM) 98.7.
- “LIBERIA LANGUAGE & CULTURES OUTLOOK” on Radio Advent 93.7. Despite delays in airing on Truth FM in Q2 and Q3, there has been progress in recording, editing, and presenting these programs.
Scripture Audio Drama Production: Portions of the Dan Scripture Audio Drama have been successfully recorded and are currently in the final stages of editing. Preparations are underway to facilitate the launch and distribution phase, which will enable the communities to access these enriched biblical stories via portable SD cards.
