Bible Society Australia recognises the importance of helping people access the Bible and engage with the message of God’s word through developing literacy skills. 14% of adults in the world – roughly 781 million people – cannot read or write. When individuals are equipped with literacy skills, they are able to improve their livelihoods and their communities, as well as Open The Bible to access the amazing truth of God’s word for life and salvation.
Literacy is a continuum of learning and proficiency in reading, writing and using numbers throughout life (UNESCO, 2024). Literacy enables people to engage directly with Scripture, fostering a personal relationship with God. Being able to read God's word equips believers for discernment, deeper discipleship, and evangelism. As God’s people, we are called to steward knowledge and seek biblical wisdom, including the ability to examine the Scriptures. Raising literacy levels ensures that individuals and communities can deepen in gospel truths, be equipped against false teaching, and be empowered as global citizens. Improved literacy also promotes flow-on effects such as reduced poverty and improved health outcomes.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.(2024). Literacy: what you need to know. https://www.unesco.org/en/literacy/need-know/
Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. As a result, many of them believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men.
Acts 17:11-12 (NIVUK)
Your support helps the Bible Society transform lives through literacy and scripture
Mozambique – Literacy for Life
Bible Society Australia is supporting Mission Educate in running a Bible-based literacy project designed to provide basic literacy, numeracy and life skills like nutrition, cooking and horticulture. This project is designed for non-literate adults and vulnerable youth, aiming to empower them to read basic signs, documents, and the Bible. Launched in Beira, it aspires to cover all ten Mozambican provinces, with current expansion in Sofala, Inhambane, and Nampula
Uganda – Holistic Literacy Skills
This project aims at developing literacy skills among non-literate Kupsapiiny, Ma’di and Ng’akarajong speakers, empowering them with literacy skills so they can develop holistically and engage with the Bible. This project aims to teach thousands of children and adults in the Moyo and Ma’di sub regions with literacy skills to improve their lives, as well as to engage with God’s word easily.
South Sudan – Literacy for Shilluks
This project works with churches in South Sudan in offering literacy classes to the Shilluk people — a community badly affected by the civil war and of whom 45% are Christians. This project aims to reach thousands of children and adults in Juba and Malakal. The goal of this project is to contribute to the community’s social progress, promote peace and wellbeing, help break cycles of poverty and empower lives to read and learn the word of God.
Rwanda – Literacy Building Futures
Bible Society Australia is partnering with African Evangelistic Enterprise Rwanda in implementing this literacy project seeking to improve literacy among students and ensure a brighter future for all Rwandans. The project aims to help Rwanda keep up with global education standards, and strives for outcomes like improved Kinyarwanda literacy, enhanced pre-primary learning, strengthened education management, and coordinated literacy activities.