Who We Are
SIL started work in South Sudan in the 1970s partnering with the Ministry of Education to build the Institute of Regional Languages in Maridi. As part of this work it helped develop materials in over 25 languages as well as training teachers and language officers. In partnership with churches and communities, Bible translation was started.
Since 2006, SIL has been based in Juba. 12 communities (Avokaya, Baka, Didinga, Dinka Rek, Gbaya, Jur Modo, Keliko, Luwo, Murle, Mundu, Ndogo, Tennet), to date have received New Testaments in their languages with the technical support of SIL. We continue to help other communities and churches achieve their language and scripture related goals. We have a passion for children and adults to thrive and succeed in education and so continue to partner with MoGEI and other education organisations to strengthen mother tongue based multilingual education.
As a result of our ongoing work we are custodians of printed materials in over 30 languages of South Sudan. These materials include basic literacy materials, story books, materials tackling various health, development and community issues, and Christian materials like hymn books, simplified bible stories and materials dealing with trauma and addiction. We are also helping produce audio and audio visual language materials. All these materials are available for the use of communities and partners.
We are increasingly staffed by South Sudanese but welcome those from other nations who wish to serve alongside the multi-ethnic South Sudanese team. We value unity in diversity, excellence and professionalism in our work, capacity building of our staff and those we work with, community determined and driven projects, partnerships with others, and the transforming Word of God.