Teaching is more than imparting knowledge, it is inspiring change. - William Arthur Ward
Ten years ago, the Simbari region of Papua New Guinea had no written materials in their own language. In fact they had no alphabet. Yes, townspeople had brought in books in the trade language, but what good would it do if no one could read?
In 1991, a family began learning the Simbari lanuage for the purpose of translating the Bible into Simbari. About 10 years later, an alphabet began to appear which fit Simbari sounds and word structure. A literacy program was started to teach the Simbari's to read and write in their own language. Today, there is a Simbari library, native songs have been written down, writing skills are used daily by the villagers, and Simbari teachers continue to teach literacy cla**** to those in their own village. A language that could have disappeared is now thriving because the people know how to read and write.
There are many people willing to teach English to non-English speakers. But who is willing to learn an indigenous language in order to bring them skills that may save their culture, and in this family's case, to bring them knowledge of a God who loves them. Now THAT, that is how I want to change the world.
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