Community Engagement Seminar in Uganda: A Milestone for the Banyamulenge Bible Project
From November 1 to 7, 2024, the Kinyamulenge Bible & Language (KB&L) team conducted a landmark community engagement seminar in Uganda, marking a pivotal moment in their ongoing efforts to bring the Word of God closer to the Banyamulenge people. This week-long workshop, led by KB&L workers Rudaga Philemon and Brenda Webb, brought together over 100 Banyamulenge leaders, including youth, elders, women, and men, to discuss and provide feedback on the gospel of Luke and the forthcoming book of Acts.
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Uganda, with its significant Banyamulenge refugee population, was chosen as an ideal location for this gathering. The seminar was not just a workshop—it was a platform for dialogue, a celebration of progress, and a testament to the power of Scripture in uniting a community.
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KB&L recognizes that translating the Bible into Kinyamulenge is not just about linguistic accuracy but also about ensuring the Scripture resonates with the spiritual and cultural experiences of the Banyamulenge people. To achieve this, KB&L conducts extensive community checks, a vital process that involves engaging Banyamulenge communities in various countries to gather feedback, validate translations, and ensure the message of the Bible is understood and embraced in its intended spirit.
A Diverse Community
The Banyamulenge people are spread across multiple countries, including Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Canada, and the United States. Each community brings unique perspectives and experiences, influenced by their local environments and circumstances. Community checks provide an invaluable opportunity to bridge these differences, ensuring that the translated Scriptures speak to all Banyamulenge individuals, regardless of where they live.
By engaging directly with these communities, KB&L can:
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Gather Authentic Feedback: Hearing directly from individuals helps KB&L understand how the translations are received, what resonates, and what might need adjustment.
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Ensure Cultural Relevance: Feedback helps the translators adapt the Scripture to reflect cultural nuances while staying faithful to the original text.
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Foster Ownership: Inviting the community to participate in the translation process strengthens their connection to the final work, making it truly their own.​
A Celebration of Unity
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The seminar was also a time of celebration. Through reflective prayers, heartfelt singing, and communal meals, the workshop became a symbol of unity and shared purpose among the Banyamulenge people. The presence of KB&L facilitators underscored the organization’s commitment to not only translate Scripture but to also involve the community at every stage of the journey.
The dedication and feedback of the participants underscored the transformative potential of this project. They spoke about how having the Bible in Kinyamulenge has become a beacon of hope and a tool for spiritual enrichment in a time when many refugees face numerous challenges.
The Cost of Connection
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Conducting these community checks, however, requires significant resources. Traveling to different countries, organizing workshops, and gathering feedback involves logistical expenses such as transportation, accommodation, meals, and workshop materials. Additionally, ensuring that KB&L workers are present for these sessions adds to the financial needs. Despite these challenges, KB&L remains committed to this essential part of the translation process. Community checks are more than workshops; they are investments in the spiritual growth and unity of the Banyamulenge people.
