Overview
This project will teach illiterate Podoka and Mafa people in Cameroon to read, write and engage in Scriptures through Bible-based literacy classes. Through these classes, many will be spiritually fed and equipped to improve their family and community life.
The Need
Translations of the Bible for the Podoko and Mafa people in Cameroon are well underway. Yet most of them cannot read or write. While literacy rates in Cameroon are estimated at 77% in the official languages, the literacy rate of the Podokos and Mafas is far lower, at 30.7%. This percentage is even lower in their native languages.
The proximity of the Podoko and Mafa communities to the Nigerian border exposes them to attacks by terrorist group Boko Haram.
Estimates suggest Boko Haram has victimized over 600,000 people in Cameroon, looting villages, abducting villagers or killing at random. Many have left their villages to find refuge in camps away from the borders.
The church in Cameroon wants to encourage the Podoko and Mafa people to stand firm
in God despite these challenges, and reach out to them with the word of God. Therefore, the church has identified improving literacy rates as an important step in helping the communities deepen their relationship with God.
If the appeal is oversubscribed or the project changes due to unforeseen reasons, we will reallocate remaining funds to similar projects.
