In the remote regions of the Solomon Islands, where education is often out of reach, a remarkable transformation is beginning. The ‘Open My Eyes’ literacy project, supported by the Bible Society of the South Pacific and the Literacy Association Solomon Islands (LASI), is opening doors for individuals who once saw reading and writing as unreachable. 

But this initiative is about more than just literacy; it’s about awakening a deeper connection to Scripture in their own languages, bringing hope and enlightenment to communities. This powerful program is changing lives and reshaping futures in the Solomon Islands. 

The Need for Local Language Literacy 

A wonderful reality is that the Bible is already available for many Solomon Islanders in their local languages; 19 local languages have a translated New Testament, and the full Bible is available in three local languages, including the widely spoken Pijin language. 

Yet, unfortunately, in many communities, these local Bible translations are not widely used. In fact, churches read from an English translation of the Bible, then preach in Pijin.  

“One of the reasons for this,” Ledua, BSSP’s Operations Manager explains, “is the majority cannot read in their own mother tongue.” 

“So, the literacy program is helping people to read in their mother tongue, and also Pijin.” 

Progress and Impact 

By 2026, this literacy program aims to reach 1,500 non-literate and semi-literate youths, adults, and children who speak the languages of Baeggu, Kwaio, and Fataleka and are part of 10 associations of the South Seas Evangelical Church (SSEC). 

Bible Society South Pacific (BSSP) began building on plans for the literacy program when Teupola, BSSP’s Project Officer, and Ledua attended literacy training with the United Bible Societies in 2023. “Being introduced to the Literacy Lifecycle ignited a passion to set things in order here in the South Pacific in the work we are doing,” shares Teupola. During the training, Teupola was struck by the statement: ‘Literacy is the link between Bible Translation and Bible Engagement’. “This foundation statement is what I hope we can implement into Bible Society of the South Pacific, and a missing piece to our work for the past few years.” 

From that training in 2023, the BSSP team started consultations with the United Bible Society as well as garnering support from Bible Society Australia and the partnership of LASI to prepare learning materials. In May 2024, literacy classes began in three SSEC associations in the Ata’a, Uru, and Sinolo regions, enrolling over 500 learners.  

The literacy program is flexible, running for two hours a day over 6 to 8 weeks. Classes are scheduled to fit the daily routines of the learners.  

Some participants attend to their market activities from 8 AM to 10 AM before starting the program. Others begin the program early and then proceed with their daily tasks like gardening or fishing. Each literacy class starts and ends with prayer, followed by singing choruses, learning the content and storytelling. 

Ledua has visited the communities who have completed the literacy program. “One of the women shared that when she went to town, she was not able to read the signs along the streets,” Ledua says. “But after becoming literate they now know to read the signs and directions in town and help their own children with their homework. Another woman shared that she feels confident to share in church after completing the literacy program.” 

Training Local Teachers 

Local literacy teachers and Bible study leaders are also receiving training as a part of the program.  

In March 2024, 24 literacy teachers from 22 Baeggu and Kwaio communities attended a two-week training course.  

Hezleen,  one of the teachers, shares that the training has really helped her gain confidence in teaching literacy and that her church is really happy with the work she is now doing for the community.   

There were many initial challenges for Hezleen and the new teachers. Priscilla, the National Coordinator at LASI, explains: “It was difficult to teach because [the students] hadn’t attended school at all, and sitting in the classroom was one of the challenges … After two weeks, things started to work well with the students because now they’re starting to understand the things they were taught. Also the interest to sit in class and to learn is starting to grow inside the learners. They are not only learning to read and write, they are also learning Scriptures that they can apply in their lives.”   

A Hope to Empower Communities 

From what Teupola has found whilst serving as BSSP Fiji Mission officer, there is a great need for Literacy in Bible Engagement, because most Pacific languages are evolving so much that, “we are starting to lose our language. Most schools are removing vernacular studies from their curriculum and its effects are seen in the number of school dropouts and non-readers in schools and even Sunday school.” 

This literacy program is not just about learning to read. It’s about empowering communities to engage with Scripture in their mother tongue, and experience how God’s word speaks to them in this way. 

People usually read Scriptures in English or Pijin during their family devotions, according to the Coordinator of the Literacy Association Solomon Islands. “But one evening, family members from the village came visiting so they decided to read the Scriptures in their mother tongue,” Ledua relates. “The Coordinator said the translations touched their hearts so deeply that evening. After the reading, all of them agreed there is no sharing needed as the Scriptures spoke to their hearts in a very special way when reading from their own mother tongue.” 

Teupola believes that literacy projects – like ‘Open My Eyes’ in the Solomon Islands – will give Bible Society an advantage in helping communities and churches engage with the Bible, as they are equipped to use their mother tongue. “This will help preserve their God-given identity (their language) and move them closer to engaging the Word of God,” shares Teupola. 

To support this literacy program, visit here.