19 Jun 2023

Bible Society of Botswana in collaboration with Maun Ministers’ Fraternal have officially commissioned Botswana Sign Language Bible project to cater for the deaf society.

The project aims at reaching out to deaf community through translated scriptures in Botswana Sign Language by December 31, 2027.

Speaking during the commissioning of the project in Maun Friday June 16, Assistant Minister for State President, Mr Dumezweni Mthimkhulu said the project marked yet another milestone by Bible Society of Botswana in its 54 years of existence as an organization.

The deaf community, he said felt marginalised in all forms as many of them did not see themselves as part of God’s plan for humanity.

The assistant minister said the deaf even felt discriminated  at many churches and believed that through the project, they would experience the love of Christ.

He also acknowledged the theme, which was Every Nation, Every Language, Sign Language matters too, saying it was relevant considering that Botswana encouraged citizens to take pride in their language. 

“We have existing Bibles in different languages however the deaf cannot read and understand them hence the need to have the Bible in the language of they can comprehend,” he added.

Mr Mthimkhulu affirmed government commitment toward ensuring inclusivity and equity as evidenced by the Botswana Languages Policy in Education as per the statement passed in Parliament in the year 2021 by the Minister responsible, sign language being part of those which had been included in phase one which its implementation had begun.

Furthermore, he said government recognised the role of faith based organization in the development space, citing the Bible Society of Botswana saying the project would have a impact have a positive impact on the deaf community.

The country’s Vision 2036, he said took cognizant that faith was the foundation from which society built its moral and ethical standards. 

Mr Mthimkhulu appealed to all to be part of the project as it would give the deaf a sense of belonging as well as creating an opportunity for them ‘to identify themselves with their creator.’ 

For his part, General secretary of Bible Society of Botswana, Mr Ofentse Maruping said the deaf had  raised concerns that they did not understand the written Bible and thatthey could not access Christian materials.

“This project is paramount because it will be directly responding to the needs of the deaf,” he added.

Mr Maruping said once the Bible in Botswana Sign Language was available, churches targeting the deaf would be established to allow them to fellowship without any challenges.

Setting up a translation project, he said would create job opportunities for the deaf. ENDS