Two colleagues leaving today for literacy training

Francois Medjo (http://www.francoismedardmedjo.blogspot.com/) and Ferdinand Elanga (http://www.codylko.blogspot.com/) left today on their third (and final?) trip to Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, where they will complete a training program that shapes them into colleagues and peers of those in SIL who are doing literacy consultation.
They are leaving with documents in hand that will be examined and evaluated by Cathy Davison, the coordinator of the program ("la Pratique et Théorie de l'Alphabétisation"). This time, they should return with certificates from UNESCO that they will proudly show to one and all who wonder if they can help them with their literacy materials and literacy programs.
Pray for them to succeed in their training and come back recharged for more adventures.

Ferdinand was telling me today that his work as a literacy organizer in Mindourou has had some unforeseen impact outside the scope of his plans: 1.) Speakers of Mpubyeng, a dialect of Mpumpung, have indicated their interest in receiving his counsel and help as they learn to read and write in their mother tongue. 2.) There are two more new believers in Christ Jesus in Djaposten as a result of hearing the recording of MARK in the Badwe'e dialect. The Megavoice units are a big source of church growth! They are making impact far beyond our expectations!

The picture at the left shows some of the Badwe'e who contributed their voices to the recording of the Gospel of Mark. It took place in Somalomo, under the supervision of our SIL coworker, Duane Troyer.

Elanga Ferdinand and Francois Medjo

These two coworkers are in training as literacy promoters. They will be going to Burkina Faso next month for the last phase of their training. It started 2 years ago and has taken 4 weeks each time. They are very capable and committed. Ferdinand Elanga works in Somalomo and in Mindourou, while Francois Medard Medjo works in Lomie. They are currently assisting the Nzime and the Badwe'e to become literate, but may have more in their futures than these two ethnic groups. Many people-groups are in need of help to devise and implement their own literacy programs. Those wishing to be partners with their expanding literacy programs can send financial help via http://www.moneygram.com/. That firm works with Express Union to transfer money from any country to locations such as Lomie, the town where the Nzime program is based. They also can send it to Abong Mbang, a city near the base of literacy programs for the Badwe'e people. (see also EXPRESS UNION) Simply state the name of the person you choose to send help to and that person's cell phone number. (Elanga's phone number is 99358209; Medjo's number is 96333826.) They will contact them about the arrival of the funds.